Category: Internet

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Child Pornography Offenses

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jobie Patterson, age 53, of Syracuse, pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Patterson admitted that between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, he conspired with others to unlawfully transfer firearms. Patterson admitted that a coconspirator acquired firearms using a straw purchaser in Georgia, then sent photographs and videos of those firearms to Patterson in Syracuse. Patterson then sold those firearms to a customer in Syracuse. Patterson further admitted that he knew that the customer had previously been convicted of a felony, and that the use, carrying, or possession of the firearms by the customer would constitute a felony. Patterson acknowledged that at a meeting in Syracuse, he sold the customer 4 handguns.

    Patterson further admitted, as part of his guilty plea, that he committed the separate offense of possession of child pornography. Patterson admitted that in May 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a 16-year-old female child. Patterson admitted that in a series of messages he exchanged with the child, the defendant directed the child to produce and transmit specific sexually explicit images to him, which she did. Patterson acknowledged that he then knowingly possessed those images in his personal cloud storage account.

    At sentencing, currently set for August 13, 2025, on the firearms-trafficking conspiracy, Patterson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson may be required to forfeit the firearms involved in the crime. On the child pornography offense, Patterson faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson also faces a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, to follow any term of imprisonment. Patterson may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Video: MAGA Minute, April 11, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    WEEK OF VICTORIES at the White House!

    145% Tariffs on China
    Bilateral with Netanyahu
    L.A. Dodgers & Racing Champions
    Gas and Energy Prices Down
    Real Wages UP, Inflation DOWN
    Companies Invest Billions
    U.S. Coal EO
    4 SCOTUS Wins

    Watch Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA Minute!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSgxwLcGnNE

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today 

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page 

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today 

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page 

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Clifford Frederic Lind, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court this week to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor and attempting to entice a minor. Lind, who used the online alias “it is what it is,” admitted to engaging in sexually explicit communications with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

    In connection with his guilty plea, Lind admitted that between May 29 and June 4, 2024, he communicated with a person he believed was an underage girl, via a social media application and text messages. During the exchanges, Lind sent sexually explicit images and videos of himself and requested sexual images in return. Lind also discussed plans to meet the supposed 13-year-old in person to engage in sexual activity, including details about picking her up and where they would stay. The communications, which took place while Lind was in the Southern District of Florida, involved the use of a smartphone and the internet, with the illicit materials traveling through interstate commerce.

    Sentencing is set for July 9, at 10:00 a.m., in Key West before United States District Court Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Lind faces up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement.

    FBI Miami, Key West Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Maultasch is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Klco is handling asset forfeiture.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    Anyone with information relating to child sexual exploitation or abuse is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-10008.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Carter, Harshbarger Are Holding Ticket Scalpers Accountable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the bipartisan Mitigating Automated Internet Networks (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act, which will protect consumers from online scammers and bots in the online ticket marketplace. The MAIN Event Ticketing Act boosts enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, a law prohibiting ticket scalpers from using software to purchase high volumes of tickets.

     

    “I am proud to lead this bill, which is a crucial step toward restoring fairness and transparency in the online ticket marketplace,” said Rep. Carter. “In Louisiana, the birthplace of American Music, this is especially important. By cracking down on bots and improving the enforcement of existing laws, this bipartisan legislation prioritizes fans, ensuring they have a fair chance to experience the live events they love without being priced out or misled by deceitful actors. I am honored to stand with Rep. Harshbarger, along with many artists, venues, and industry leaders, to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of live entertainment.”

     

    “If there’s one thing that can bring us all together, it’s music and entertainment,” said Rep. Harshbarger.“This is especially true for East Tennessee, as we’re home to music legends like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen. Whether it’s attending a concert or a stand-up show, we all love spending time with friends and family to enjoy live entertainment. What no one loves is trying to buy a ticket to see your favorite performer—only to find that scalpers have scooped up most of the tickets and are reselling them at exorbitant prices.”

     

    The companion MAIN Event Ticketing Act was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in February 2025.

     

    Background

     

    The MAIN Event Ticketing Act:

     

    • Establishes reporting requirements for online ticket sellers to notify of successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC);
    • Creates a complaint database so consumers can share their experiences with the FTC, which must then share that information with state attorneys general;
    • Enacts data security requirements for online ticket sellers and mandates information sharing between the FTC and law enforcement; and
    • Requires a report to Congress on BOTs enforcement.

     

    This legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, and the National Independent Venue Association.

     

    Full bill text can be found here.

     

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Adopting Fifth Committee Resolutions, General Assembly Also Decides to Hold Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan in August

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The General Assembly today decided to hold the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from 5 to 8 August, as the 193-member organ adopted several drafts, including those recommended by its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

    Adopting the draft resolution titled “Further modalities of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” (document A/79/L.71) without a vote, the Assembly welcomed and accepted “with appreciation the generous offer of the Government of Turkmenistan to host” the Conference under the theme “Driving progress through partnerships”.

    The Assembly also decided to rename the Conference outcome document the “Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034”.

    A representative of the Secretariat explained that to service the event, the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and the Department of Global Communications would require a total estimated cost of $254,700 in 2025 for additional meetings and documentation workload.

    “Every effort will be made to meet the requirements within their capacity, and there would be no programme budget implications for 2025,” he said, adding however:  “Its ability to implement the mandate will depend on the availability of adequate liquidity resources.”  He further noted that the Government of Turkmenistan will need to defray the additional costs directly or indirectly involved.

    Intergovernmental Organizations Invited to Participate in UN Ocean Conference

    Also acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted a draft decision (document A/79/L.73), by which it invited the intergovernmental organizations identified in the Secretariat note (document A/79/850) — namely the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization — to participate as observers in the work of the 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

    Recommendations by Fifth Committee

    The Assembly then adopted five drafts recommended by its Fifth Committee without a vote.  (See document A/C.5/79/INF/3 and Press Release GA/AB/4495 for background.)

    Funding Approved for Measures to Combat Islamophobia

    By the draft resolution titled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for 2025” (document A/79/652/Add.1), the Assembly approved additional appropriations of $774,200 to implement its resolution 78/264 on measures to combat Islamophobia, $479,900 to implement decisions by the Human Rights Council and $95.39 million for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).  The Assembly also requested the Secretary-General to provide an analysis on the impact of the rapid development of emerging technologies, increase transparency and clarity of information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure, and submit a proposal on the presentation of the costs of such technology.

    The draft resolution “Human resources management” (document A/79/839) has the Assembly note rule 3.3 of the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations regarding appointment and promotion and stress that paragraph 66 of its resolution 79/257 of 24 December 2024 does not relate to cases of “promotions”. It also stressed that any changes to the “Guidelines for determination of level and step on recruitment to the Professional category and above” by the Secretary-General shall be fully in line with Assembly resolutions and decisions.

    Importance of Joint Inspection Unit

    By the draft resolution “Joint Inspection Unit” (document A/79/840), the Assembly took note of the Unit’s report for 2024, its programme of work for 2025 and the Secretary-General’s note on Unit’s 2024 report.  By other terms, it stressed the importance of the Unit’s oversight functions in identifying concrete managerial, administrative and programming questions within the participating organizations and providing the General Assembly and other legislative organs action-oriented recommendations.  Underscoring the unique role of the Unit as an external and independent system-wide inspection, evaluation and investigation body, the Assembly reaffirmed the Unit’s independence and stressed that budget estimates are to be prepared in a transparent consistent manner for submission to the Assembly.

    The draft resolution “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218 B, 54/244, 59/272, 64/263, 69/253 and 74/257” (document A/79/649) has the Assembly reiterate the five-year non-renewable term of the Under-Secretary General for Internal Oversight Services, and requested the Secretary-General to continue to ensure the full implementation of resolution 48/218 in future appointments.  It also decided to evaluate and review at its eighty-fourth session the functions and reporting procedures of the Office of Internal Oversight Services and to that end to include in the provisional agenda of that session an item entitled “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218, 54/244, 59/272, 64/263, 69/253, 74/257 and 79/___”.

    Assembly Defers Consideration of Fifth Committee Agenda Items 

    By the draft decision titled “Questions deferred for future consideration” (document A/79/653/Add.1), the Assembly decided to defer until the second part of its resumed seventy-ninth session consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on improving the United Nations financial situation, as well as the related report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).  Further, the Assembly decided to defer until its eightieth session consideration of Secretary-General’s report on standards of accommodation for air travel and the related ACABQ report, and to the first part of its resumed eightieth session consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on the review of the UN Secretariat internship programme, as well as the related ACABQ report.

    Additionally, the Assembly took note of the Fifth Committee’s report concerning agenda items 141 “Improving the financial situation of the United Nations” (document A/79/838), 137 “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations” and 150 “Report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (document A/79/648/Add.1).

    Filling Vacancies on Contribution, Audit Committees

    Acting on the Fifth Committee’s recommendations without a vote, the Assembly appointed Denis Piminov (Russian Federation), Benjamin Sieberns (Germany) and Fu Liheng (China) as members of the Committee on Contributions, and Eric Oduro Osae (Ghana) as a member of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee, for terms of office from today to 31 December 2026.

    Application of Article 19 of UN Charter:  Congo Reduces Its Arrears

    In other business, the Assembly took note of Congo’s payment necessary to reduce the arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the United Nations Charter (document A/79/720/Add.4).

    Tribute to Former Assembly President

    It also observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the President of the forty-nineth session of the Assembly, Amara Essy (Côte d’Ivoire), who passed away on 8 April.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Hingham Savings Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HINGHAM, Mass., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS (NASDAQ: HIFS), Hingham, Massachusetts announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Earnings

    Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $7,124,000 or $3.27 per share basic and $3.24 per share diluted, as compared to $6,868,000 or $3.17 per share basic and $3.13 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 was 6.46%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.64%, as compared to 6.63% and 0.63% for the same period last year. Net income per share (diluted) for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 3.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $6,125,000 or $2.81 per share basic and $2.78 per share diluted, as compared to $2,213,000 or $1.02 per share basic and $1.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 was 5.56% and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.55%, as compared to 2.14% and 0.20% for the same period last year. Core net income per share (diluted) for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 175.2% compared to the same period in 2024.

    See Page 9 for a Non-GAAP reconciliation between Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) net income and core net income. In calculating core net income, the Bank did not make any adjustments other than those relating to the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized. In the first quarter of 2024, both net income and core net income were positively impacted by lower income tax expense driven by excess tax benefit associated with the exercise of stock options and the revision of state income tax estimates.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased to $4.523 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 5.9% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.1% decline from March 31, 2024.

    Net loans increased to $3.924 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 5.2% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.4% decline from March 31, 2024. Origination activity was concentrated in the Boston and Washington D.C. markets and remained focused on stabilized multifamily commercial real estate.

    Retail and commercial deposits increased to $2.066 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 13.8% annualized growth year-to-date and 9.2% growth from March 31, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits, included in retail and commercial deposits, were $427.3 million at March 31, 2025, representing 30.0% annualized growth year-to-date and 23.0% growth from March 31, 2024.

    Growth in non-interest bearing and money market balances in the first quarter of 2025 continues to reflect the Bank’s focus on developing and deepening deposit relationships with new and existing commercial and non-profit customers. The Bank continues to invest in its Specialized Deposit Group, actively recruiting for talented relationship managers in Boston, Washington, and San Francisco, particularly as respected competitors exit these markets or merge with larger regional banks.

    The stability of the Bank’s balance sheet, as well as full and unlimited deposit insurance through the Bank’s participation in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund, continues to appeal to customers in times of uncertainty.

    Wholesale funds, which includes Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, brokered deposits, and Internet listing service deposits, were $1.978 billion at March 31, 2025 representing a 2.8% annualized decline year-to-date and a 9.5% decline from March 31, 2024, as the Bank replaced a large portion of these funds with retail and commercial deposits. In the first quarter of 2025, the Bank continued to manage its wholesale funding mix to optimize the cost of funds while taking advantage of the inverted yield curve at certain durations by adding lower rate longer term liabilities. Wholesale deposits, which include brokered and Internet listing service time deposits, were $507.1 million at March 31, 2025, representing 9.9% annualized growth year-to-date and 1.4% growth from March 31, 2024. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $1.471 billion at March 31, 2025, representing a 6.9% annualized decline from December 31, 2024, and a 12.7% decline from March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank maintained an additional $918.0 million in immediately available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston and the Federal Reserve Bank, in addition to $361.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

    Book value per share was $200.69 as of March 31, 2025, representing 5.4% annualized growth year-to-date and 5.6% growth from March 31, 2024. In addition to the increase in book value per share, the Bank declared $2.52 in dividends per share since March 31, 2024.

    On March 26, 2025, the Bank declared a regular cash dividend of $0.63 per share. This dividend will be paid on May 14, 2025 to stockholders of record as of May 5, 2025. This will be the Bank’s 125th consecutive quarterly dividend.

    The Bank has also generally declared special cash dividends in each of the last thirty years, typically in the fourth quarter, but did not declare a special dividend in 2024 and 2023. The Bank sets the level of the special dividend based on the Bank’s capital requirements and the prospective return on other capital allocation options, particularly the incremental return on capital from new loan originations. This may result in special dividends, if any, significantly above or below the regular quarterly dividend. Future regular and special dividends will be considered by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

    Operational Performance Metrics

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 26 basis points to 1.50%, as compared to 1.24% in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of continued expansion, which has continued to accelerate. This improvement was the result of a decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, combined with an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities fell 21 basis points in the first quarter of 2025, as the Bank continued to reduce retail and commercial deposit rates, and to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by six basis points in the first quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a higher yield on loans, as the Bank continued to originate loans at higher rates and reprice existing loans, partially offset by a lower yield on cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 65 basis points to 1.50%, as compared to 0.85% for the same period last year. The Bank experienced a significant decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities when compared to the prior year. This was driven primarily by the repricing of the Bank’s funding sources, as the Bank began to reduce retail and commercial deposit rates in the second half of 2024, and to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. During this period, the yield on interest-earning assets increased, driven primarily by an increase in the yield on loans, partially offset by lower yield on cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.

    Key credit and operational metrics remained strong in the first quarter of 2025. At March 31, 2025, non-performing assets totaled 0.04% of total assets, compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024 and 0.04% at March 31, 2024. Non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio totaled 0.05% at March 31, 2025, compared to 0.04% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024. The Bank did not record any charge-offs in the first three months of 2025 or 2024. Most of the non-performing assets and loans cited above were and are residential, owner-occupant loans.

    The Bank had only one small commercial real estate non-performing loan and no other commercial real estate delinquent loans as of March 31, 2025, and did not have any delinquent or non-performing commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2024. This commercial loan became current shortly after the close of the first quarter. The Bank did not own any foreclosed property at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2024.

    The efficiency ratio, as defined on page 5 below, decreased to 45.82% for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to 52.30% in the prior quarter and 77.24% for the same period last year. Operating expenses as a percentage of average assets increased to 0.68% for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to 0.66% for the prior quarter and 0.67% for the same period last year. This reflects, in part, seasonally higher expenses during the first quarter and continuing investments in deposit-gathering infrastructure. As the efficiency ratio can be significantly influenced by the level of net interest income, the Bank utilizes these paired figures together to assess its operational efficiency over time. During periods of significant net interest income volatility, the efficiency ratio in isolation may over or understate the underlying operational efficiency of the Bank. The Bank remains focused on reducing waste through an ongoing process of continuous improvement and standard work that supports operational leverage.

    Chairman Robert H. Gaughen Jr. stated, “Returns on equity and assets in the first quarter of 2025 remained significantly lower than our long-term performance, reflecting the lingering challenge from the increase in short-term interest rates and a historically long and deep inversion of the yield curve. These conditions have posed a significant – albeit ultimately temporary – challenge to our business model.

    This challenge began to fade last year and we are cautiously optimistic moving forward. Returns in our core business have started to improve, driven by acceleration in our net interest margin. Our operational leverage remains critical to generating satisfactory returns over time. Although our investment returns are likely to remain volatile over any individual period, they continue to contribute meaningfully to growth in book value per share over time.

    While the last two years have been extraordinarily challenging, the Bank’s business model has been built to compound shareholder capital over time. We remain focused on careful capital allocation, defensive underwriting and rigorous cost control – the building blocks for compounding shareholder capital through all stages of the economic cycle. These remain constant, regardless of the macroeconomic environment in which we operate.”

    The Bank’s quarterly financial results are summarized in this earnings release, but shareholders are encouraged to read the Bank’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which is generally available several weeks after the earnings release. The Bank expects to file Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on or about May 7, 2025.

    Incorporated in 1834, Hingham Institution for Savings is one of America’s oldest banks. The Bank maintains offices in Boston, Nantucket, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

    The Bank’s shares of common stock are listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol HIFS.

    Annual Meeting

    The Bank will hold its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) at 2:00PM EST on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Hingham Historical Society (Old Derby Academy), located at 34 Main Street, Hingham, Massachusetts. We strongly encourage shareholders to attend in person, although they may also observe the Meeting by streaming video. Following the business meeting, the Bank will hold an informal meeting to discuss the results of the prior year and the operations of the Bank, as well as a question and answers session. We strongly encourage all shareholders to vote by proxy. Electronic voting will not be available. Registration for the meeting is available on the Bank’s website (click here). In addition to participating in the meeting itself, we also encourage shareholders to submit questions in writing in advance using the form on the Bank’s website.

     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Selected Financial Ratios
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
      2024   2025
    (Unaudited)          
               
    Key Performance Ratios          
    Return on average assets (1) 0.63 %   0.64 %
    Return on average equity (1) 6.63     6.46  
    Core return on average assets (1) (5) 0.20     0.55  
    Core return on average equity (1) (5) 2.14     5.56  
    Interest rate spread (1) (2) 0.13     0.80  
    Net interest margin (1) (3) 0.85     1.50  
    Operating expenses to average assets (1) 0.67     0.68  
    Efficiency ratio (4) 77.24     45.82  
    Average equity to average assets 9.54     9.98  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities 119.91     122.26  
               
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31, 2024   March 31,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans   0.67 %   0.69 %   0.69 %
    Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans   1,530.95     1,775.00     1,487.46  
                       
    Non-performing loans/total loans   0.04     0.04     0.05  
    Non-performing loans/total assets   0.04     0.03     0.04  
    Non-performing assets/total assets   0.04     0.03     0.04  
                       
    Share Related                  
    Book value per share $ 190.07     $ 198.03   $ 200.69  
    Market value per share $ 174.46     $ 254.14   $ 237.80  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   2,180,250       2,180,250     2,180,250  
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4) The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure that represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding the net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
    (5) Non-GAAP measurements that represent return on average assets and return on average equity, excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     

    (In thousands, except share amounts)

    March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
    (Unaudited)                  
    ASSETS  
                     
    Cash and due from banks $ 6,200   $ 4,183   $ 8,664
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   367,046     347,647     352,977
    Cash and cash equivalents   373,246     351,830     361,641
                     
    CRA investment   8,759     8,769     8,900
    Other marketable equity securities   78,497     104,575     109,335
    Securities, at fair value   87,256     113,344     118,235
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost   5,500     6,493     6,494
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   69,484     61,022     61,322
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $26,760
    at March 31, 2024, $26,980 at December 31, 2024
    and $27,280 at March 31, 2025
      3,938,252     3,873,662     3,924,108
    Bank-owned life insurance   13,723     13,980     14,064
    Premises and equipment, net   16,844     16,397     16,244
    Accrued interest receivable   8,783     8,774     9,006
    Other assets   16,263     12,269     12,314
    Total assets $ 4,529,351   $ 4,457,771   $ 4,523,428

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                     
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,045,524   $ 2,094,626   $ 2,146,091
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   347,397     397,469     427,287
    Total deposits   2,392,921     2,492,095     2,573,378
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,684,675     1,497,000     1,471,000
    Mortgagors’ escrow accounts   13,570     16,699     15,820
    Accrued interest payable   14,040     8,244     11,266
    Deferred income tax liability, net   1,765     3,787     4,069
    Other liabilities   7,982     8,191     10,338
    Total liabilities   4,114,953     4,026,016     4,085,871
                     
    Stockholders’ equity:                
    Preferred stock, $1.00 par value,
    2,500,000 shares authorized, none issued
             
    Common stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares
    authorized; 2,180,250 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025
      2,180     2,180     2,180
    Additional paid-in capital   15,416     15,571     15,622
    Undivided profits   396,802     414,004     419,755
    Total stockholders’ equity   414,398     431,755     437,557
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,529,351   $ 4,457,771   $ 4,523,428
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Statements of Income
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2024   2025
    (Unaudited)          
               
    Interest and dividend income:          
    Loans $ 43,120   $ 45,221
    Debt securities   45     95
    Equity securities   1,450     1,451
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   2,827     3,055
    Total interest and dividend income   47,442     49,822
               
    Interest expense:          
    Deposits   21,146     18,621
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   17,212     15,165
    Total interest expense   38,358     33,786
    Net interest income   9,084     16,036
    Provision for credit losses   108     300
    Net interest income, after provision for credit losses   8,976     15,736
    Other income:          
    Customer service fees on deposits   137     135
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   81     84
    Gain on equity securities, net   5,971     1,281
    Miscellaneous   55     49
    Total other income   6,244     1,549
    Operating expenses:          
    Salaries and employee benefits   4,297     4,467
    Occupancy and equipment   431     439
    Data processing   755     724
    Deposit insurance   810     748
    Foreclosure and related   32     10
    Marketing   89     136
    Other general and administrative   813     946
    Total operating expenses   7,227     7,470
    Income before income taxes   7,993     9,815
    Income tax provision   1,125     2,691
    Net income $ 6,868   $ 7,124
               
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.63   $ 0.63
               
    Weighted average shares outstanding:          
    Basic   2,169     2,180
    Diluted   2,192     2,201
               
    Earnings per share:          
    Basic $ 3.17   $ 3.27
    Diluted $ 3.13   $ 3.24
               
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
     
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025  
      Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/ Rate (10)   Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/
    Rate (10)
       
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)                                                  
    Assets                                                  
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,956,135   $ 43,120   4.36 %   $ 3,882,297   $ 44,787   4.58 $ 3,929,828   $ 45,221   4.67 %
    Securities (3) (4)   116,203     1,495   5.15       126,771     1,642   5.14     130,674     1,546   4.80  
    Short-term investments (5)   208,245     2,827   5.43       293,987     3,515   4.74     278,722     3,055   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,280,583     47,442   4.43       4,303,055     49,944   4.60     4,339,224     49,822   4.66  
    Other assets   64,034                 72,638               79,209            
    Total assets $ 4,344,617               $ 4,375,693             $ 4,418,433            
                                                       
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:     `                                            
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,098,851     21,146     4.03 %   $ 2,136,101     20,518   3.81 $ 2,141,294     18,621   3.53 %
    Borrowed funds   1,471,027     17,212     4.68       1,421,152     15,985   4.46     1,407,844     15,165   4.37  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,569,878     38,358     4.30       3,557,253     36,503   4.07     3,549,138     33,786   3.86  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,136                   374,461               413,877            
    Other liabilities   14,261                   14,072               14,464            
    Total liabilities   3,930,275                   3,945,786               3,977,479            
    Stockholders’ equity   414,342                 429,907               440,954            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,344,617               $ 4,375,693             $ 4,418,433            
    Net interest income       $ 9,084               $ 13,441             $ 16,036      
                                                       
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.13 %               .53             0.80 %
                                                       
    Net interest margin (7)             0.85 %               1.24             1.50 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing
    liabilities (8) 
      119.91 %             120.97 %           122.26 %          
    (1 ) Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2 ) Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3 ) Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4 ) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5 ) Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6 ) Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7 ) Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8 ) Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9 ) Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10 ) Annualized.

     HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
     Non-GAAP Reconciliation

     The Bank believes the presentation of the following non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to an investor’s proper understanding of results of operations and financial condition of the Bank. Management uses these measures in its analysis of the Bank’s performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes for the financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other banks.

     The table below presents the reconciliation between net income and core net income, a non-GAAP measurement that represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024     2025  
               
    Non-GAAP reconciliation:          
    Net Income $ 6,868     $ 7,124  
    Gain on equity securities, net   (5,971 )     (1,281 )
    Income tax expense (1)   1,316       282  
    Core Net Income $ 2,213     $ 6,125  
    (1)  The equity securities are held in a tax-advantaged subsidiary corporation. The income tax effect of the gain on equity securities, net, was calculated using the effective tax rate applicable to the subsidiary.

    The table below presents the calculation of the efficiency ratio, a non-U.S. GAAP performance measure that management uses to assess operational efficiency which represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

              Three Months Ended  
          March 31,       December 31,       March 31,  
    (In thousands, unaudited)     2024         2024         2025    
                             
    Non-U.S. GAAP efficiency ratio calculation:                        
    Operating expenses   $ 7,227       $ 7,174       $ 7,470    
                             
    Net interest income   $ 9,084       $ 13,441       $ 16,036    
    Other income     6,244         8,779         1,549    
    Gain on equity securities, net     (5,971 )       (8,503 )       (1,281 )  
    Total revenue   $ 9,357       $ 13,717       $ 16,304    
                             
    Efficiency ratio     77.24   %     52.30   %     45.82   %

    CONTACT: Patrick R. Gaughen, President and Chief Operating Officer (781) 783-1761

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bergen County Man Sentenced To 86 Months In Prison For Distribution And Possession Of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 86 months in prison for distributing and possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Michael Kimmerle, 35, of New Milford, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From August 24, 2021, through August 7, 2022, Kimmerle distributed material containing video files of child sexual abuse, via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. Law enforcement used undercover online sessions to access the P2P program. During these sessions a user shared multiple video files of child sexual abuse from an Internet Protocol address traced to Kimmerle’s residence.  During a September 14, 2022 search of Kimmerle’s residence, law enforcement found over 600 thumbnail images containing child pornography on Kimmerle’s laptop, including images derived from video files Kimmerle previously distributed through the P2P file-sharing program.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Kimmerle to 5 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $59,500 in restitution to the victims.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to sentencing.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel: John J. Bruno, Jr., Esq., Rutherford, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting signs a MoU with Government of Maharashtra to establish Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:08PM by PIB Mumbai

     

     Mumbai, April 11, 2025

    The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd. (MFSCDCL) and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) for the establishment of a world-class institute dedicated to the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector i.e. Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai.

    The MoU was signed between Chief Secretary of Government of Maharashtra Ms. Sujata Saunik and Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Sh. Sanjay Jaju and was exchanged in the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sh. Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting   Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw today.

    Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis stated that Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai — a first-of-its-kind institute will focus on nurturing talent and innovation in creative industries.

    IICT will be located at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, Goregaon, and shall serve as a centre of excellence for education, research, innovation, and skill development in the AVGC-XR domain recognizing the importance of fostering the growth and development of this sector in the country and envisioning India to become one of the top global players in this field. Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw stated that the first Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), established in Mumbai—the capital of the creative economy and entertainment sector—will serve as a catalyst for the city’s entertainment industry, facilitating its global expansion.

    The IICT has already been set up as a not-for-profit Section 8 company with equity participation from Government of India (48%), Government of Maharashtra (through MFSCDCL) (14%), and leading industry bodies – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), holding 26% each.

    Government of India has already provided an initial one-time budgetary grant of ₹391.15 crore for infrastructure development and initial operations. The IICT shall operate in a self-sustaining mode thereafter. The institute shall also benefit from a 10-acre land parcel leased by MFSCDCL for 30 years at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, symbolizing a significant step forward in building a digital media and creative technology ecosystem.

    Key highlights of the MoU include:

    1. Establishment of an AVGC-XR centre with a strategic focus on education, skilling, industry development, and research & innovation.
    2. Formation of a Governing Council and Board of Directors with representatives from Government and Industry.
    3. Development of specialized councils on Academia, Skilling, Industry Development, and R&D to ensure sectoral alignment and global competitiveness.
    4. Commitment to fostering public-private collaboration and attracting international partnerships.

     

    IICT will be a world-class premium institute for the media and entertainment sector similar to the IITs and IIMs for technology and management. A temporary campus of IICT is being set up at the NFDC premises in Mumbai and will start operation soon. By producing a consistent flow of highly skilled content creators, the IICT will firmly establish India’s standing as a leading global centre for the creative economy

    The MoU marks a significant milestone under the Government’s efforts to boost the digital economy, empower creative professionals, and generate high-value employment in emerging sectors.

    ****

    Sayyid Rabeehashmi/Sriyanka Chatterjee/Parshuram

     

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog launches a Report on “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”

    Source: Government of India

    NITI Aayog launches a Report on “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”

    Factory Floors to Global Headlines — India’s Auto Industry to shift gears and make a mark on the Global Value Chain

    India’s Automotive ambition: USD 145 Billion auto component production by 2030

    GVC share from 3% to 8% by 2030 — India’s Auto Sector is in the Fast Lane

    Focus on competitive manufacturing, infrastructure development, R&D and Skilling to make India global manufacturing hub

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:14PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog has released an insightful report titled “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”. The report was launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog in presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog and Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog. This report offers an extensive analysis of India’s automotive sector, highlighting both opportunities and challenges, and outlining a pathway for positioning India as a key player in global automotive markets.

    Global and Indian Automotive Landscape

    In 2023, global automobile production reached approximately 94 million units. The global automotive components market was valued at USD 2 trillion, with the export share reaching approximately USD 700 billion. India has emerged as the fourth-largest global producer after China, USA and Japan, with an annual production of nearly 6 million vehicles. The Indian automotive sector has gained a strong domestic and export market presence, particularly in the small car and utility vehicle segments. Supported by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and its cost-competitive workforce, India is positioning itself as a hub for automotive manufacturing and exports.

    Emerging Trends in the Automotive Sector

    The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable mobility, regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, and advancements in battery technology. EV sales have surged globally, reshaping the automotive manufacturing landscape.

    Battery manufacturing hubs are emerging in regions like Europe and the U.S., spurring investments in industries related to lithium and cobalt mining, essential for EV production. These developments are altering traditional supply chains and creating new opportunities for collaboration and competition.

    In parallel, the rise of Industry 4.0 is transforming automotive manufacturing. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics are enhancing production processes, improving productivity, reducing costs, and enabling greater flexibility. These digital advancements are not only optimizing manufacturing but also fostering new business models centered around smart factories and connected vehicles.

    Challenges Facing India’s Automotive Sector

    Despite being the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, India has a modest share (around 3%) in the global automotive component trade, which amounts to approximately $20 billion. The bulk of global trade in automotive components is driven by engine components, drive transmission, and steering systems, but India’s share in these high-precision segments remains low at just 2-4%. India’s automotive sector faces challenges on account of operational cost, infrastructural gaps, moderate GVC integration, inadequate R&D expenditure etc. that hinder its competitiveness in the global value chain (GVC).

    Proposed Interventions for Growth

    NITI Aayog’s report outlines several strategic fiscal and non-fiscal interventions aimed at enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive sector. The interventions are structured across four categories of automotive components based on their complexity and manufacturing maturity i.e. Emerging & Complex, Conventional & Complex, Conventional & Simple and Emerging & Simple.

    Fiscal Interventions

    1. Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
    2. Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
    3. R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
    4. Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.

    Non-Fiscal Interventions

    1. Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
    2. International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
    3. Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.

    Vision for 2030

    NITI Aayog’s vision for India’s automotive sector by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable. The report envisions the country’s automotive component production growing to $145 billion, with exports tripling from $20 billion to $60 billion. This growth would lead to a trade surplus of approximately $25 billion and a significant increase in India’s share of the global automotive value chain, from 3% to 8%.

    Additionally, this growth is expected to generate 2-2.5 million new employment opportunities, bringing the total direct employment in the sector to 3-4 million

    Conclusion

    India has significant potential to become a global leader in the automotive industry. Achieving this goal requires focused efforts from the central and state governments, as well as industry stakeholders. By addressing the existing challenges and leveraging the proposed interventions, India can enhance its competitiveness, attract investments, and build a robust automotive sector capable of leading the global value chain.

    The report can be accessed at this link: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/Automotive-Industry-Powering-India-participation-in-GVC_Non-Confidential.pdf

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Guilty of Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – AVERY FREEL (“FREEL”), age 23, of Ocean Springs, MS, pled guilty on April 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. 

    FREEL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00.  In addition, FREEL faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, after his release from prison, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford, Vermont Man Charged with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Matthew Isaacs, 33, of Hartford, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with producing child sexual abuse materials (previously referred to as child pornography).

    Isaacs’ initial appearance in court is scheduled for today at 2pm before United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford in Burlington.

    According to court records, Isaacs repeatedly sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl who lived on the same floor of his apartment building in Hartford. During the sexual abuse, Isaacs took photographs of the child’s genitalia. Isaacs thereafter modified the images of the child’s genitalia by adding words (including the first name of the child victim and a slang word for vagina), and images (including an erect penis pointed at the child’s vaginal area). Some of the images depict Isaacs actively abusing the child, with his hand down her pants. Isaacs is identifiable by a distinctive tattoo on his arm. Isaacs had been previously charged in Vermont Superior Court with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Child, and was on conditions of release at the time of his federal arrest.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Isaacs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Isaacs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years of imprisonment, and up to thirty years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Isaacs is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund Supports Community Safety Initiatives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 11, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is providing more than $1.1 million to police agencies, the Victims’ Fund and community programs from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. These assets will help municipal police forces purchase new resources, as well as offer supports for victims and aid in the delivery of community programming.

    “We are committed to offering support to victims of crime in our province and delivering safer communities and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “The criminal property forfeiture process allows us to do that by taking proceeds from criminal activity and putting it to good use through our police agencies and community programs.”

    Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property alleged to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. Proceeds of forfeited property are placed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for distribution to police, victims and community programs.

    Of the $1.1 million being provided, over $564,000 of this will go to police services across the province, as well as Search and Rescue Regina. In accordance with legislation, a matching amount will be deposited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

    The funding will be used to provide the following equipment and programming: 

    • Audio Visual Equipment to interview child and youth victims of violence to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of offences against children in Moose Jaw;
    • The development of a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Moose Jaw;
    • Investigative enhancements to the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) in Moose Jaw, including officer training, upgraded video interview recording equipment and Faraday bags to prevent the loss of evidence;
    • Photocell camera for the Regina Police Service;
    • Facility upgrades to the tactical training facility in Regina; 
    • Investigative search support for a Saskatoon Police Service investigation;
    • A portable light system for the File Hills First Nations Police Service;
    • A wet processing bench, which provides a dedicated exhibit processing workspace to enhance safety and minimize contamination, for the Prince Albert Police Department; and
    • Tent and trailer for Search and Rescue Regina. 

    Civil Forfeiture removes the financial incentives of criminal activity, making involvement in criminal activity less attractive and benefiting Saskatchewan communities both financially and socially. 

    “The Moose Jaw Police Service is delighted to partner with the Saskatchewan government and community partners in applying funding received through civil forfeiture for the enhancement and expansion of our approach in the investigation, care, and support of child and youth victims of abuse in Moose Jaw and surrounding communities,” Acting Police Chief Rick Johns said.

    Since inception, over $10 million from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has been distributed to police operations, the Victims’ Fund and community programming.

    The Victims’ Fund provides support to victims of crime through both the justice and law enforcement systems as well as community organizations. Further information can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/victimsservices.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Fraudsters Entice People to a Non-Existent Digital Ruble Investment Program

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Categoris24-7, Central Bank of OF Russia, Miles, Russians Banks, Russians savings, Russians finance, Russians Language, Russian economy, Russian banks

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    Fraudsters encourage people to invest in digital rubles and receive passive income from these investments.

    They create websites in corporate colors and with the digital ruble logo. The scammers call such Internet resources the investment program of the digital ruble of the Bank of Russia. On the website, the visitor is greeted by a “personal manager” who persuades them to deposit the amount on the “deposit”.

    The person is encouraged to join the supposedly existing program as quickly as possible, while the “entry threshold is low”, because later the starting amount will be significantly increased. The potential victim is asked to answer several questions and leave contact information. Then the goal of the “personal manager” is to force the person to deposit as much money as possible on the fake platform.

    Be careful: there are no digital ruble investment programs!

    Trust only official sources. All information about the digital ruble is published onon the website of the Bank of Russia.

    The digital ruble of the Bank of Russia is a digital form of the national currency. It is introduced as a means of payments and transfers. Currently, operations with digital rubles are available only to pilot participants – this is a limited circle of bank clients connected to the digital ruble platform.

    The Bank of Russia will additionally announce the launch of the digital ruble into mass circulation.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Executive Committee

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    ATO Executive Committee

    The ATO Executive Committee focuses on the strategic matters that relate to the direction and positioning of the organisation.

    Our Commissioner and Second Commissioners are statutory appointments. The ATO Executive Committee consists of the Commissioner, 3 Second Commissioners and the leads from the operations and technology sections of the ATO.

    For more information about our organisation, see:

    Commissioner and Registrar

    Commissioner of Taxation and Registrar of the Australian Business Register and the Australian Business Registry Services

    Rob Heferen

    Rob Heferen was appointed as the 13th Commissioner of Taxation on 1 March 2024.

    Rob has had a long career in the Australian Public Service, beginning in 1989 as a graduate at the Australian Customs Service. Over 35 years, he’s accumulated diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios. Rob has represented Australia in international forums including the United Nations (UN), International Energy Agency (IEA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

    For almost 20 years, Rob’s interest and expertise in economics and tax policy led him to various roles in the ATO and Commonwealth Treasury. This included leading the Secretariat for the Australia’s Future Tax System Review (the Henry Tax Review) and culminated in his role as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Group at the Commonwealth Treasury between 2011–2016. Here he had responsibility for tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

    Rob’s other Senior Executive roles include:

    • Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
    • Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, Research and International in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment
    • Deputy Secretary of Energy at the Department of the Environment and Energy (where he served as Australia’s representative on the International Energy Agency’s Governing Board)
    • Deputy Secretary of Indigenous Affairs at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

    Rob is a proven people leader, with an open, collaborative and authentic style. He has a strong record of achievement in leading organisations to help shape and deliver on Government priorities.

    Rob has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, and a Graduate Diploma of Economics from the Australian National University.

    Second Commissioner – Client Engagement

    Jeremy Hirschhorn

    Jeremy Hirschhorn was appointed to the Second Commissioner role from 16 April 2020. He has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Client Engagement Group, which fosters willing participation in Australia’s tax and super systems through well-designed client experiences.

    Jeremy has more than 20 years’ experience in roles managing complex tax matters.

    As Deputy Commissioner of Public Groups & International from April 2015, Jeremy was responsible for ensuring that the largest Australian and multinational companies were meeting their corporate tax obligations and providing the Australian community with confidence that these large companies were being held to account.

    Jeremy also worked as Chief Tax Counsel, with responsibility for the provision of the ATO’s legal advice in relation to interpretation of the tax and super laws, when he joined the ATO in August 2014.

    Prior to joining the ATO, Jeremy was a senior partner in KPMG’s tax practice.

    Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant.

    Second Commissioner Frontline Operations

    David Allen

    David Allen was appointed to the Second Commissioner Frontline Operations role from 1 November 2024. In this role, David leads the Frontline Operations Group which is responsible for a broad range of the ATO’s taxpayer services for all segments of the community.

    These include:

    • processing all payments, activity statements, income tax returns, superannuation lodgments and other forms
    • administering the Tax File Number register, Australian Business Register and Director ID Services.

    David joined the ATO in 2010 as an Assistant Commissioner in Public Groups & Internationals – working in Capital Gains Tax risk, Internationals. In 2016, he was the ATO’s delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) based in Paris.

    In 2018, David was promoted to Deputy Commissioner and established the Enterprise Strategy and Design (ESD) business line – which takes the leadership role in working with business areas to shape the ATO’s strategic direction, risk management, planning and reporting, as well as internal audit and design.

    Prior to joining the ATO, David held senior roles in different tiers of the public service including Commonwealth, United Kingdom, NSW and local government.

    David has a degree in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from Australian Graduate School of Management.

    Second Commissioner for Law Design and Practice

    Kirsten Fish

    Kirsten has overall responsibility for the ATO’s law practice, including law interpretation, public advice and guidance, independent dispute prevention, litigation and resolution, and the ATO’s contribution to policy and law design.

    The Law Design and Practice Group serves the community, government and clients by ensuring the tax and super laws are informed, understood, administered and applied with confidence and integrity and is respected and trusted as the authoritative voice of the Commissioner on matters of law and revenue analysis.

    Kirsten joined the ATO in 2014 and the ATO’s Chief Tax Counsel from 2015, one of the highest legal authorities within the ATO, leading the Tax Counsel Network and providing technical leadership in relation to significant tax issues, cases and rulings. Kirsten was acting Second Commissioner for 12 months before being formally appointed to the role in October 2021.

    Prior to joining the ATO, Kirsten was a tax Partner at Clayton Utz with a focus on the financial services industry and providing finance and investment transaction advice.

    Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Masters of Law (Tax).

    Chief Operating Officer

    Jacqui Curtis

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads the ATO’s Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Operations functions.

    These functions include Strategic Planning, Governance, Finance, Corporate, Risk Management, People, Integrity, Change Management and Design for the organisation. In this role, Jacqui is a member of the ATO Executive, responsible for shaping and setting strategic direction and oversight implementation.

    The COO position gives greater strength and integration to our corporate positioning, and ensures we are well positioned for Australian Public Service (APS)-wide reforms of corporate and shared services, and that our planning, governance and risk management is strategic and sensible. The COO brings together an integrated picture of our people and resource management and ensure we have the right capability and culture to meet our strategic intent.

    This position has a role in managing the relationship with key stakeholders like our scrutineers.

    All of these underpin our ability to deliver on a better client and staff experience. 

    Prior to the COO role, Jacqui joined the ATO in September 2013 as Deputy Commissioner ATO People and was responsible for delivering an enterprise-wide human resource management service which supports ATO employees in providing a sustainable, open and accountable workplace. Jacqui was also responsible for leading the Reinvention Program Management Office and the change management driving this key reform.

    Before joining the ATO, Jacqui was General Manager of the People Capability Division with Services Australia, where she led the department’s leadership and change, people development, workforce planning and research functions. Jacqui has also worked for the Australian Public Service Commission, where she was responsible for delivering integrated people development, SES and APS-wide leadership and talent, change management, strategic recruitment, communications, and learning and development. She also has extensive international experience.

    Jacqui holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the Australian National University and is a Fellow of Australian Human Resource Institute, and was appointed Adjunct Professor University of Canberra in 2018.

    In October 2019, Jacqui was appointed the inaugural Head of the APS HR Professional Stream.

    Chief Information Officer

    Mark Sawade

    Mark Sawade was appointed to the Chief Information Officer role from 11 March 2025.

    In this role Mark has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Enterprise Solutions and Technology Group, who work to ensure we maintain a contemporary, secure and reliable technology environment that supports tax, super and registry systems into the future.

    Mark has nearly 25 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service, primarily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leadership roles. Preceding his appointment at the ATO, Mark was the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, where he led and delivered a range of digital transformation initiatives.

    In 2019, Mark led the School Funding and Data Collection division in the Department of Education, where he delivered significant reform that focused on increased use of government data in the calculation of school funding entitlements.

    Mark has also held ICT senior executive leadership roles in a number of public sector agencies, including at the Department of Education, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ComSuper and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

    Mark holds a Bachelor of Computer and Information Science from the University of South Australia.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Del Rio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DEL RIO, Texas – A Del Rio man was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for production of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Hector Sanchez, 33, used his Facebook account to contact a 13-year-old female in October 2020. Sanchez demanded that the child send him explicitly nude photos, which she eventually did, and told her he was going to purchase condoms. On Oct. 6, 2020, he met the child victim outside her house and later messaged that he wished she wasn’t so young so that they wouldn’t “have to hide.” He also told her to ensure she deleted their conversations. On Oct. 26, Sanchez sent the child nude photos and a sexually explicit video of himself.

    On Nov. 23, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations received information originating from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspected child exploitation in violation of federal law. The following day, agents were able to conduct a forensic interview with the child victim. Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography on July 21, 2023.

    “Sanchez knowingly and deliberately befriended a minor over social media with full intent to develop a discreet sexual relationship with her,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “I am very grateful for the involvement of NCMEC and our law enforcement partners in this case. Because of the systems and processes available to us and our capabilities to investigate and prosecute crimes against children, Sanchez will spend the next three decades paying for his actions in federal prison.”

    “This lengthy sentence is a testament to the disgusting nature of child exploitation crimes, particularly the production of child pornography,” said ICE HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “HSI agents make it a priority to protect vulnerable children from victimization by working with their law enforcement partners to investigate predators involved with the possession and distribution of child pornography and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”

    HSI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nallely Duarte and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Among Top 3 CEXs with $1.79B Monthly Inflows, Driven by Innovative Strategies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC has achieved a net inflow of $77.5 million over the past 7 days, positioning itself as one of the few major centralized exchanges (CEXs) to demonstrate positive momentum during a widespread market decline, according to DeFiLlama. The exchange’s total monthly net inflow reached $1.79 billion, a 12.4% rise from the previous month, highlighting its resilience and consistent growth amid cautious user behavior across the broader market.

    DeFiLlama data also ranks MEXC among the top 3 exchanges for monthly inflows, with $84.25 million recorded in April alone and a total value locked (TVL) of $2.8 billion as of April 9, 2025. This performance reflects MEXC’s growing credibility and ability to attract liquidity despite ongoing market volatility.

    Exchange 7-Day Net Inflow 30-Day Net Inflow
    Binance +$888 million +$3.7 billion
    Bybit +$564.9 million +$3.2 billion
    MEXC +$77.5 million +$1.79 billion
    Kucoin −$40 million −$893.5 million
    HTX +$402.1 million +$464.9 million

    Net Inflow Trends Across Major CEXs (Source: https://defillama.com/cexs)
    MEXC’s standout performance over the past month can be attributed to its strategic focus on trading initiatives and ecosystem development. The key drivers behind this success include the following:

    1. Strategic Initiatives: Through its “Zero Trading Fee” campaign, MEXC significantly boosted trading volume and user engagement.
    2. BNB Chain Ecosystem Focus: MEXC’s targeted approach to CZ/BNB-Chain concept tokens, coupled with high returns and trading volumes of popular tokens, further drove user fund inflows.
    3. Capturing High-Potential Tokens: As the first platform to list CZ/BNB-Chain concept tokens like MUBARAK, MEXC created opportunities for low-cost entry and high returns, drawing significant user capital.
    4. Launch of DEX+: The launch of DEX+, a hybrid centralized-decentralized trading platform, lowered the barriers to on-chain trading, enhancing MEXC’s appeal to users and boosting fund inflows.

    1. Zero Trading Fee Strategy Significantly Boosts Trading Activity

    During its March Zero Trading Fee campaign, MEXC introduced trading pairs such as SOL/USDT, HYPE/USDT, and S/USDT, resulting in a 17.8% month-over-month increase in the number of traders and a remarkable 170.2% surge in trading volume. Notably, SOL/USDT saw a 185.62% increase in trading volume, with its average daily trading volume accounting for 19.0% of MEXC’s total futures trading volume – a growth rate of 189.69%—making it the standout pair of the quarter. ADA/USDT recorded the highest growth, with a 369.44% increase in trading volume and a 393.05% rise in its share of MEXC’s daily futures trading volume. Additionally, DOGE/USDT and SUI/USDT saw trading volume increases of 82.87% and 70.84%, respectively.

    0 Trading Fee strategy also significantly enhanced MEXC’s market share. Trading pairs such as AIXBT/USDT, DOGE/USDT, and SOL/USDT led market share growth with increases of 331%, 283%, and 209%, respectively. DOGE/USDT and SOL/USDT achieved market shares of 30.5% and 30.3%, respectively, ranking first among the same pairs on CoinMarketCap (CMC), while ADA/USDT secured the second spot with a 20.6% market share. These figures demonstrate that the 0 Trading Fee campaign effectively ignited user trading enthusiasm, driving substantial fund inflows to the platform.

    2. Strategic Focus on BNB Chain Ecosystem Fuels Hot Token Trading

    The BNB Chain ecosystem has emerged as a new hotspot for on-chain assets over the past month, and MEXC’s strategic focus on this ecosystem has paid off. In March, BNB Chain ecosystem tokens accounted for 50.8% of new token spot trading users, a 30.1% month-over-month increase, while their trading volume share soared to 56.6%, reflecting a 63.5% month-over-month growth. This made the BNB Chain ecosystem a core driver of March’s trading surge.

    The top five BNB Chain ecosystem tokens delivered an average return of 3,760%, creating significant profit opportunities for users while fueling a trading frenzy. Star tokens like MUBARAK, BUBB, and TUT led the charge with gains of 10,900%, 4,168%, and 2,000%, respectively, contributing 17%, 4%, and 7% to new token trading volume. MUBARAKAH and BMT also performed strongly, contributing 4% and 3% to trading volume, respectively. The robust trading activity of BNB Chain ecosystem tokens further attracted user fund inflows, injecting fresh momentum into MEXC’s growth.

    3. First-Mover Advantage in Token Launches Makes MEXC a Go-To Platform for Low-Cost Entry

    MEXC demonstrated industry-leading prowess in launching CZ-concept tokens. On March 14, 2025, at 12:35:00 (UTC+8), MEXC became the first exchange to list MUBARAK, outpacing all other platforms. Within 24 hours of its launch, MUBARAK surged by 1,377.5%, reaching a peak price of $0.22—a staggering 10,900% increase from its listing price. By the close of March 18, MUBARAK’s average daily trading volume had grown by 197% compared to March 15–16, with the number of traders rising by 76% month-over-month, reflecting sustained user enthusiasm.

    4. DEX+ Launch Enhances User Experience and Fund Attraction Through Innovation

    In March, MEXC introduced DEX+, a hybrid centralized-decentralized trading platform that allows users to engage in decentralized trading without leaving the MEXC app or website, providing access to a wide range of on-chain assets. Currently, DEX+ supports over 15,000 tokens across the Solana and BNB Chain ecosystems, covering a broad spectrum of on-chain assets. This innovative model not only enhances trading convenience but also strengthens MEXC’s appeal to on-chain trading users, further driving fund inflows.

    Conclusion

    With $1.79 billion in fund inflows over the past month and a 63.9% fund inflow efficiency, MEXC has demonstrated its competitive strength among global cryptocurrency exchanges. Whether through its 0 Trading Fee campaign to boost trading activity, its strategic focus on the BNB Chain ecosystem, its first-mover advantage in launching high-potential tokens, or the innovative launch of DEX+, MEXC has leveraged innovation to drive rapid fund inflows. Looking ahead, as the crypto market continues to evolve, MEXC is well-positioned to attract more global users and solidify its market standing by further enhancing user experience and expanding its market presence.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d12447d-9018-4bc9-93c6-970fbbc000fc

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Plastic Parks in India

    Source: Government of India

    Plastic Parks in India

    Accelerating Growth of the Polymer-Based Industrial Ecosystem

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals is implementing the Scheme for Setting up of Plastic Parks under the umbrella scheme of New Scheme of Petrochemicals, to support setting up need-based Plastic Parks, with requisite state-of-the-art infrastructure, enabling common facilities through cluster development approach, to consolidate the capacities of the domestic downstream plastic processing industry. The objective is to consolidate and synergize the capacities of downstream plastic processing industry to help increase investment, production and export in the sector as well as generate employment. Under the scheme, the government of India provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs.40 crore per project.

     

    A plastic park is an industrial zone specifically designed for plastic-related businesses and industries. It aims to consolidate and synergize the capacities of the plastic processing industry, promoting investment, production, and exports while generating employment. These parks also focus on achieving environmentally sustainable growth through waste management and recycling initiatives.

     

    Plastic Parks have emerged as an integral part of India’s strategy for managing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and supporting the chemical industry. 10 Plastic Parks have been approved so far in different States.  Details of funds released to these Plastic Parks during the last five years are:

     

    Plastic Park Location

    Approval Year

    Total Project Cost

    (₹ crore)

    Approved Grant-in-aid

    (₹ crore)

    Amount Released

    (₹ crore)

    Tamot, Madhya Pradesh

    2013

    108.00

    40.00

    36.00

    Jagatsinghpur, Odisha

    2013

    106.78

    40.00

    36.00

    Tinsukia, Assam

    2014

    93.65

    40.00

    35.73

    Bilaua, Madhya Pradesh

    2018

    68.72

    34.36

    30.92

    Deoghar, Jharkhand

    2018

    67.33

    33.67

    30.30

    Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

    2019

    216.92

    40.00

    22.00

    Sitarganj, Uttarakhand

    2020

    67.73

    33.93

    30.51

    Raipur, Chhattisgarh

    2021

    42.09

    21.04

    11.57

    Ganjimutt, Karnataka

    2022

    62.77

    31.38

    6.28

    Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

    2022

    69.58

    34.79

    19.13

     

     

    Background and Objectives

    India stands 12th in the world export of plastics, as per the 2022 World Bank estimates. It has grown exponentially from 2014, when it was worth just 8.2 million thousand USD, as compared to the 2022 estimates, where it reached 27 million thousand USD. This growth has been a result of the constant efforts by the Indian government to promote the production and export of plastics, like setting up Plastic Parks.

    The Indian plastics industry was large but highly fragmented with dominance of tiny, small and medium units and thus lacks the capacity to tap this opportunity. The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals formulated this scheme with a view to synergize and consolidate the capacities through cluster development and enhance India’s plastic production and export capabilities. The scheme has the following objectives:

    1. Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the domestic downstream plastic processing industry through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.
    2. Increase investments in the sector through additions in capacity and production, creating quality infrastructure and other facilitation to ensure value addition and increase in exports.
    3. Achieve environmentally sustainable growth through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.
    4. Adopt a cluster development approach to achieve the above objectives owing to its benefits arising due to optimization of resources and economies of scale.

     

    Process of setting up a Plastic Park

    For the purpose of setting up Plastic Parks, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals seeks preliminary proposals from state governments, highlighting the proposed location, financial details, broad cost estimates etc. Following in-principle approval from the Scheme Steering Committee, the State implementing agency is required to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Department, which is evaluated and final approval is given by the Scheme Steering Committee based on the viability of the proposed project.

    For example, in November, 2020, the Department invited proposals from the state governments for establishing two new Plastic Parks. Proposals were received from the state governments of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (02 proposals), Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. These were examined by an Expert Committee, based on which the setting up of Plastic Parks at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and at Ganjimutt, Karnataka, was approved in July, 2022 and January, 2022 respectively.

    The Government provides grants-in-aid for the establishment of the Plastic Parks. The implementation of these projects as well as the process of getting them populated by industrial units is largely in the hands of the Special Purpose Vehicles set up by the State Government or State Industrial Development Corporation or their agencies. The respective States have taken several steps to promote private sector participation in these Plastic Parks, including conducting awareness and sensitization programmes for the industry, providing plots at competitive rates, giving tax incentives etc.

    Under the Scheme, common infrastructure for the sustainability and eco-friendliness of industrial units is provided including effluent treatment plant, solid/ hazardous waste management, facilities for plastic recycling, incinerator etc. Some of the Plastic Parks have also established in-house recycling sheds for recycling of plastic waste.

    Other Government Initiatives for promoting Plastic Production in India

    The other initiatives taken by the Government to enhance plastics processing are: 

    1. Centres of Excellence (CoE): To promote the research and development in polymer and plastics the department has established 13 Centres of Excellence in various national level institutes.

     

    Location of the Centre of Excellence (CoE)

    Title of Centre of Excellence

    Date of Approval

    National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

    Sustainable Polymer Industry to Research & Innovation

    15.04.2011

    Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Chennai

    Green Transport Network (GREET)

    01.04.2011

    CIPET, Bhubaneswar

    Sustainable Green Materials

    06.04.2013

    Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

    Advanced Polymeric Materials

    15.03.2013

    IIT, Guwahati

    Sustainable Polymers (Sus-Pol)

    April 2013

    IIT, Roorkee

    Process Development, Wastewater Management in Petrochemical Industries

    12.02.2019

    CIPET, Bhubaneswar

    Bio-engineered Sustainable Polymeric Systems

    12.02.2019

    National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

    Specialty Polymers for Customized Applications

    12.02.2019

    CSIR – North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST)

    Polymers, Their Composites and Polymeric Membranes for Sustainable Development of Petroleum Industries

    04.12.2020

    CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad

    Polymer Coatings for Decorative, Protective and Strategic Applications

    04.12.2020

    CIPET, Bhubaneswar

    Manufacturing of Next Generation Bio-Medical Devices

    04.12.2020

    IIT, Guwahati

    Sustainable & Innovative Design and Manufacturing of Polymer-based Products

    February 2022

    IRMRA, Thane

    Design and Development for Value added Toys of Rubber and Allied Finished Products

    February 2022

     

    These CoEs focus on various aspects such as sustainable polymers, advanced polymeric materials, bio-engineered systems, and process development for wastewater management in petrochemical industries. They aim to drive innovation, improve technology, and promote environmentally sustainable development within the sector.

    1. Skilling of Workforce: Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology is conducting many short term and long-term courses in Plastics processing and Technology to cater to the skilling requirement of the industry. 

     

    Indian Plastic Industry and Environment Sustainability

    The Government of India has taken several steps to ensure that the development of the plastic industry is environmentally sustainable and aligned with global sustainability standards.

    1. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations for plastic packaging mandate targets for minimum level of reuse, recycling and use of recycled content. This ensures accountability for waste collection, recycling, and reuse. Certain single-use plastics have been banned, with a focus on reducing plastic waste. The regulations also mandate to utilize minimum amount of recycled material in packaging products.
    2. The Hazardous Waste Management Rules seek to ensure proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and promote waste minimization and resource recovery.
    3. The Government promotes the adoption of circular economy principles in the plastic industry, including recycling and the use of biodegradable alternatives. In order to promote the latest technologies and products for circular economy, the Department supports and encourages industry in organizing discussions and exhibitions to showcase the latest technologies and machinery for waste management, recycling and up-cycling as well as the innovative products made from recycled material.
    4. India engages with international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to enable compliance with global sustainability standards. Further, India actively participates in meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which formulates international standards for plastic products.

     

    Conclusion

    The Plastic Parks scheme, under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, represents a comprehensive and forward-looking initiative that addresses both the industrial growth and environmental sustainability of the Indian plastics sector. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering cluster-based development, and encouraging private sector participation, the scheme not only strengthens India’s downstream plastic processing capabilities but also attracts investment, boosts exports, and generates employment. As India continues to rise in global plastic trade rankings, the Plastic Parks scheme and allied measures will remain crucial to ensuring that this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

    References

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU5708_ToUfDC.pdf?source=pqals

    https://chemicals.gov.in/plastic-park-scheme

    https://chemicals.gov.in/sites/default/files/plastic_park_doc/FPP260613.pdf

    https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/WLD/Year/LTST/TradeFlow/Export/Partner/by-country/Product/39-40_PlastiRub

    https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/IND/Year/2014/TradeFlow/EXPIMP/Partner/WLD/Product/All-Groups

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3054_q0N7Gr.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1712/AU2634.pdf?source=pqals

    https://chemicals.gov.in/centre-excellence

    https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/266/AU2424_X8QRU6.pdf?source=pqars

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120876) Visitor Counter : 109

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to introduce current state of local industries and explore future industry prospects (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to introduce current state of local industries and explore future industry prospects  
    Addressing the opening ceremony today (April 11), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, not only brings together Eastern and Western cultures but also harmonises innovation with tradition. Following the country’s announcement to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, Hong Kong is fully co-operating in its efforts and striving to become an international innovation and technology centre. Hong Kong’s industry has gradually transformed from early traditional manufacturing to today’s high-tech industries, embodying the wisdom and efforts of countless scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
     
    She added that each innovation achievement in this exhibition is evidence of the new era of the Hong Kong industry, telling a “Hong Kong story” that, relying on technological strength, transforms innovative ideas into practical and sustainable solutions, continuously improving people’s quality of life. With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics, the Hong Kong industry achieves breakthroughs in environmental technologies that convert waste into energy, cutting-edge applications in smart manufacturing and life sciences, and redefines “Made in Hong Kong”.
     
    Ms Chan said this exhibition not only showcases technological innovation achievements but also promotes the culture of scientific research and popular science education. She hopes that the public, especially young people, can experience the myriad possibilities of technological development through the exhibits and interactive experiences, developing a passion for exploring science, learning innovative thinking for the future, and seizing the development opportunities brought about by Hong Kong’s technological innovation.

    Other officiating guests today included the Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), Mr Steve Chuang; the Executive Deputy Chairman of the FHKI and Chairman of the FHKI 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, Mr Anthony Lam; and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.

    The exhibition comprises five sections, namely “Industry Cornerstone”, “Research and Development”, “Smart Manufacturing”, “Industry 4.0” and “2030 Vision”. Through interactive exhibits and model and object displays, the exhibition introduces innovative designs that cover a wide range of areas, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation in people’s daily lives, and highlights how local teams transfer research outcomes from three key industries, namely life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data sciences, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, to contribute to the realisation of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation. Highlight exhibits include an interactive device that showcases a passive radiative cooling material that lowers indoor temperatures without relying on electricity, an injection moulding machine that utilises injection moulding technology to mass-produce plastic products, and an automated multiplex diagnostic system that can detect more than 40 respiratory pathogens simultaneously in about 1.5 hours.
     
    The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the FHKI, organised by the HKScM and the FHKI, and funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission. The exhibition is held at the Special Exhibition Hall, G/F, HKScM (2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon). Guided tours of the exhibition will be held on weekends and public holidays from May 1 to July 1. The guided tours are free of charge with on-site enrolment. In addition, the HKScM will also organise an array of activities, including off-site guided tours, exhibit demonstrations, children’s programmes, experiments, workshops, and science lectures, with free admission. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/industrial2025.htmlIssued at HKT 18:11

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ministers Burke and Dillon announce new measures to support the transport sector

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has signed regulations making changes to the employment permits system to address skills shortages in Ireland’s transport sector. The quota for car mechanics will increase by 200, the quota for HGV and Bus mechanics by 200, and the quota for vehicle body builders and repairers has increased by 50. The changes came into effect on Monday, 7 April.

    Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said:

    “I am pleased to announce that I have increased quotas for Car mechanics and HGV/Bus mechanics by 200 employment permits each and Vehicle body builders and repairers by 50 permits. Car mechanics play a vital role in ensuring that Ireland’s private car fleet is safe for all road users. HGV/Bus mechanics and Vehicle body builders and repairers are both necessary to support the extension of our public transport services including the BusConnects program, which aims to provide a significant expansion of routes and increased 24-hour operations for public transport. The planned transition to alternative power vehicles will also require access to skilled mechanics. Ensuring that there is a sufficient workforce to maintain these new vehicles will play a vital role in the delivery of this program.”

    Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon said:

    “The increase to these quotas will help us to secure additional skilled workers to help deliver our ambitious public transport goals, as well as improving the roadworthiness of the private car fleet. This measure will help to ensure the safety and reliability of both public transport and the private car fleet and help to ensure that we meet our public transport goals.”

    Notes for editor

    The Employment Permits System

    Ireland’s policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of Ireland, the European Union and other European Economic Area (EEA) states. Policy in relation to applications for employment permits remains focused on facilitating the recruitment from outside the EEA of skilled and highly skilled personnel, where the requisite skills cannot be met by normal recruitment or by training. Employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term, but it is not intended over the longer term to act as a substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling the State’s resident workforce, with an emphasis on the process of lifelong learning, and on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.

    The Occupations Lists

    For the purposes of the employment permits system, occupations fall into three categories:

    1. Occupations listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List are highly skilled professional roles that are in high demand and are not always available in the resident labour force. Occupations on this list are eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) and include roles such as medicine, ICT, sciences, finance, and business.
    2. Occupations listed on the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL) are those with evidence suggesting there are sufficient Irish/EEA workers to fill such vacancies. Employment permits are not granted for these occupations. Some roles are removed from the IOL subject to quota, in order to sustainably integrate a new source of workers into the labour market and to test the labour market needs.
    3. Every other job in the labour market, where an employer cannot find a worker, is eligible for an employment permit. For these occupations, the employer is required to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test and if no-one suitable applies for the job, the employer is free to apply for an employment permit. Occupations such as these may be skills of a more general nature and are eligible for a General Employment Permit (GEP).

    ENDS

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: SEALCOIN Demonstrates Satellite-Enabled IoT Transactions Using WISeSat LEO Constellation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEALCOIN Demonstrates Satellite-Enabled IoT Transactions Using WISeSat LEO Constellation

    Pushing the Frontiers of IoT with Secure, Decentralized Microtransactions Beyond Terrestrial Limits

    Geneva, Switzerland, April 11, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announced that its subsidiary SEALCOIN AG, unveiled a groundbreaking Proof of Concept (PoC) that illustrates the Company’s ability to integrate with remote IoT devices through satellite communications. Leveraging the WISeSat Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation and the FOSSA IoT platform, this milestone marks a major step toward SEALCOIN’s vision for a decentralized, transactional IoT that transcends terrestrial infrastructure.

    Built on WISeKey’s satellite infrastructure, the PoC enables microtransaction-driven data exchanges between fully off-the-grid IoT devices, with each data set cryptographically signed at the source device for integrity and trust.

    The architecture operates as follows:

    • Device-to-Device Exchange via Satellite: A request for data is initiated by one IoT device and fulfilled by another using SEALCOIN as the value exchange layer.
    • REST API Integration with WISeSat via FOSSA: The responding device acts as a bridge to the WISeSat network through a REST API, retrieving data from the satellite-linked database, which has been securely signed by the source device.
    • Blockchain Settlement via SEALCOIN on Hedera: Each exchange is recorded and settled securely and efficiently via the SEALCOIN token on the Hedera network.

    This PoC proves the feasibility of executing secure, decentralized, satellite-enabled data transactions between machines in geographically isolated or infrastructure-deficient environments. The implications for smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, autonomous logistics, and defense applications are immense, setting the stage for a new wave of use cases previously unimaginable.

    This is the first iteration of SEALCOIN’s satellite integration roadmap. Looking ahead, the project will focus on embedding SEALCOIN capabilities directly within satellites, secured at the silicon level using Secure Element technology. This foundational step will enable future “Satellite-as-a-Service” business models, where spaceborne infrastructure autonomously participates in decentralized economies.

    “Our goal with SEALCOIN has always been to make transactional IoT borderless, scalable, and secure,” said Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey Group. “With this demo, we’ve not only expanded that vision into space but opened doors to solutions for regions with no cellular or terrestrial coverage”.

    SEALCOIN’s architecture is inherently modular, supporting a plug-and-play approach to new types of sensors and satellite operators, further enhancing its potential for global deployment.

    This is just the beginning of a bold trajectory toward true device-to-device economies, decentralized, autonomous, and resilient by design.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com 
    WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Angelo man posing as 11-year-old in child pornography production case sentenced to 50 years in federal prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A San Angelo man who impersonated an 11-year-old child and persuaded a 9-year-old female child to produce child sexual abuse material was sentenced Tuesday to 50 years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.

    James Wilson, 57, was indicted in September and pleaded guilty in December 2024 to Production of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography.  He was sentenced Tuesday to 600 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered Wilson to pay $106,500 in restitution.

    According to court documents, Wilson employed a 9-year-old victim to produce at least two videos of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Wilson admitted to using a social media application to transport multiple videos of child pornography over the Internet.  He also admitted to possessing and transporting a video that depicted a 10-year-old female child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    Wilson admitted to law enforcement that he had viewed and downloaded child pornography for several years.

    The vast collection of child pornography possessed by Wilson included videos from multiple identified child pornography series.  Minor victims from 13 of the series requested restitution due to trauma from their sexual abuse.  The Court awarded $106,500 in restitution to those victims.  

    FBI’s Dallas Field Division – San Angelo Resident Agency and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Ohlhausen prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: FINWARD BANCORP ANNOUNCES DIVIDEND

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Munster, Ind., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp” or “Finward”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that on April 9, 2025 the Board of Directors of Finward declared a dividend of $0.12 per share on Finward’s common stock payable on May 12, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2025.

    About Finward Bancorp

    Finward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, whose activities are primarily limited to holding the stock of Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, electronic and wealth management financial services from its 26 locations in Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Finward Bancorp’s common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol FNWD. The website ibankpeoples.com provides information on Peoples Bank’s products and services, and Finward Bancorp’s investor relations.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This Current Report on Form 8-K may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth, and operating strategies of Finward. For these statements, Finward claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this communication should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Finward, including the information in the filings Finward makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

    Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the Bank’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the previously disclosed consent order and memorandum of understanding entered into between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), or to demonstrate compliance to the satisfaction of the FDIC and/or DFI within prescribed time frames; the Bank’s agreement under the memorandum of understanding to refrain from paying cash dividends without prior regulatory approval; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of Finward’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success, and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent, and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Finward’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Finward or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Finward does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

    In addition to the above factors, we also caution that the actual amounts and timing of any future common stock dividends or share repurchases will be subject to various factors, including our capital position, financial performance, capital impacts of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and regulatory and accounting considerations, as well as any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares or pay any dividends to the holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such repurchases or dividends.

    ###

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
    CONTACT INVESTOR RELATIONS 
    (219) 853-7575

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Two Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 11.04.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/11/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025092
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 550,000
    Placement period, in days 4
    Date of deposit 04/11/2025
    Refund date 04/15/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fix
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds
    Minimum spread, % per annum
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 09:30 to 09:40
    Preliminary applications: from 09:30 to 09:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 09:35 to 09:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 09:40 to 09:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 09:40 to 10:00
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n
    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 04/11/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025093
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 50,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 04/11/2025
    Refund date 10.10.2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Flotting
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Special
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Closed
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MOM/N89404

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Columbia, Missouri, Man Who Fled to Mexico and Faked His Own Death Sentenced to 10 Years for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A former Columbia Missouri, man has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography.

    Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following  his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

    On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.  During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.  Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.  Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.  Federal charges were dismissed.

    In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico. Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.  Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024. Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

    Project Safe Childhood

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Cruise Line Employee Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on April 1, 2025, PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 35, a foreign national of the Republic of India, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).

    According to court documents, BOHRA was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found BOHRA in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

    United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced BOHRA to eighteen (18) months imprisonment, five years (5) of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering small businesses with a new industry-first My Biz Plan and a 3-year price lock guarantee

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Empowering small businesses with a new industry-first My Biz Plan and a 3-year price lock guarantee

    NEW YORK — Starting today, Verizon Business offers a market-leading solution for small and midsized business (SMB) customers to create and customize their wireless business plans – paying for what they need, when they need it.

    Introducing My Biz Plan

    Carriers today offer small businesses a “good, better, best” choice. But why be forced to make a trade-off? Small businesses want control and flexibility in their mobile plans.

    Enter My Biz Plan. It’s easy: one simple plan with unlimited calling, data and texting that each small business can customize with business add-ons. Ranging from international connectivity to business productivity and more, customers can easily add and remove their add-ons as needed. Plus, add-on spending can unlock discounts on their smartphone.

    Verizon My Biz Plan includes: 

    • Price Lock: 3-year price lock guarantee for all customers who add My Biz Plan which provides peace of mind to small business owners. This industry-first guarantee ensures core monthly plan price for calling, data and texting will not change, excluding taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and add ons.
    • Security Applications: Verizon Business Mobile Internet Security is included with My Biz Plan, helping protect small business devices against malware, ransomware and phishing when connected to the Verizon network. Additional security add-ons are also available.
    • Affordable Pricing: Plans are as low as $29 per month for 5+ lines with auto pay and paper-free billing, with add-ons starting as low as $5 per month each.
    • International Connectivity: Small business employees can stay connected when traveling in over 210 countries and destinations with unlimited data, talk, and text starting at $10 per month.

    Special Introductory Offer

    From April 10 until June 10, Verizon Business is offering customers value with 15% off the core monthly plan price for any new line added to the My Biz Plan, applied each month over 36 months.

    That means small business owners can get 5 lines for $25/line per month with auto pay and paper-free billing, one of our best deals ever.

    “We understand the unique challenges that small businesses face because we are with them every single day,” said Iris Meijer, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, Verizon Business. “We are so excited to launch My Biz Plan. It is the only plan in the industry that directly addresses their needs for control and flexibility, empowering them to stay a step ahead.”

    My Biz Plan offers small business owners the certainty and control that they need: according to the 2024 State of Small Business Survey, many small businesses struggle to manage costs while investing in the tools and internet access required for growth. My Biz Plan aims to help small businesses thrive by putting the control in their hands. 

    Learn more about My Biz Plan and available offerings for SMBs at verizon.com/mybizplan.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for an urgent action plan to combat criminal networks and prevent children and young people from being recruited into organised crime – P-000506/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission stepped up actions on crime prevention through the ‘EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime’[1] and is engaging with stakeholders to strengthen cooperation among competent authorities and with Internet companies through the EU Internet Forum[2]. The Commission presented the ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy on 1 April 2025[3] and announced that it will develop an Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime, encompassing the online and offline dimensions. In addition, the Commission adopted the ‘BIK+ Strategy’[4] to protect and empower children and young people online, designed ‘A comprehensive approach to mental health’[5] and will carry out an EU-wide inquiry on the impacts of social media on mental health and wellbeing, focusing on young people.

    2. Under the Digital Services Act ( DSA ), online service providers must take appropriate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors[6], and the Commission is preparing Guidelines. Providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) must assess the risks that the design and functioning of their services may have on minors, adopt proportionate and effective risk mitigation measures, and submit a risk assessment report yearly.

    3. The Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok, Facebook and Instagram may have breached the DSA in areas related to the protection of minors. The Commission is continuously monitoring compliance of VLOPs and VLOSEs with their obligations under the DSA and remains ready to open additional formal investigations when needed.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, Brussels, 18.10.2023 COM(2023) 641 final.
    • [2] EU Internet Forum Senior Officials Meeting ‘Tackling online harms’, 12 December 2024, 14:00 — 17:30, Brussels and online, and EU Internet Forum Technical Meeting ‘Preventing the online recruitment of minors by criminal networks’, 5 March 2025, 10:30 — 12:30, online. For further information, see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-union-Internet-forum
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-presents-protecteu-internal-security-strategy-2025-04-01_en
    • [4] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A Digital Decade for children and youth: the new European strategy for a better Internet for kids (BIK+), Brussels, 11.5.2022, COM(2022) 212 final.
    • [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a comprehensive approach to mental health, Brussels, 7.6.2023 COM(2023) 298 final. For further information, s ee also https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en; https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6317c605-5f5d-4d4f-9c8a-d5c93e869814_en?filename=ncd_tracking-framework-mh_en.pdf
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance).
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Former high school teacher Daniel Janke of Mankato, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. Janke was also ordered to pay $18,000 in special assessments that benefit minors directly impacted by these types of offenses.

    According to court documents, Daniel John Janke, 54, knowingly obtained and distributed images and videos depicting the graphic sexual exploitation of children. During an investigation of a specific chatroom on Kik, a social media application, an undercover (UC) law enforcement agent encountered the defendant using the pseudonym “Jack Frost.” Between October 23, 2023, and November 1, 2023, they exchanged multiple messages and Janke sent multiple CSAM images and a video to the UC agent. A subsequent forensic examination Janke’s electronic devices and Kik account confirmed that he collected and distributed sexually explicit images of pubescent and pre-pubescent minor victims.

    “It’s hard to imagine someone working with children and then making the choice to exploit them on the internet,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Teachers, coaches, daycare workers—it doesn’t matter who you are—my office will continue to prosecute predators in positions of trust to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “This case is a stark reminder that child predators continue to operate in digital spaces, using technology to exploit children and share that abuse with others,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI is committed to protecting our most vulnerable and will continue to work with our partners to bring predators to justice.”  

    On October 29, 2024, Janke pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material. Janke was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John R. Tunheim. When pronouncing the sentence, Judge Tunheim specifically noted an aggravating aspect of the Janke matter was “the haunting reality that the distribution of CSAM material on the Internet means it lives on forever.”

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI