Core Insights - The healthcare and life sciences industry is facing a challenging political and economic environment, with a 9% decrease in optimism compared to the previous year [1][8] - Key legislation is expected to impact supply chain and drug costs, with significant concerns about out-of-pocket costs for patients and supply chain disruptions [4] - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is identified as a crucial area for investment, with 59% of respondents planning to increase their budget for AI in 2026 [5] Political and Regulatory Challenges - Industry leaders are divided on the impact of President Trump's administration, with 51% viewing it positively and 49% negatively [4] - 64% of respondents believe the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will raise out-of-pocket costs for patients, while 56% anticipate increased supply chain disruptions due to the Most Favored Nation policy [4] Artificial Intelligence Development & Usage - 59% of industry leaders plan to allocate more budget to AI and large-language models in 2026 [5] - AI is expected to be implemented across various functions, including internal content development (41%), internal operations (38%), and financial analysis (37%) [5] - In communications, AI is seen as offering significant opportunities in social and digital communications (63%) and media engagement (48%) [5] Cybersecurity Concerns - 47% of respondents feel their organizations are vulnerable to cyber incidents [6] - Only 60% have a crisis communications plan in place, a decrease from 68% in 2025 [6] Transactions & Capital Markets Activity - 65% of respondents expect higher M&A activity in 2026, but only 54% are optimistic about increased IPO activity, a 7% drop from 2025 [7] - The fundraising environment is anticipated to be challenging, with only 28% believing it will be easier to raise capital in 2026 [7]

Core Insights - The healthcare and life sciences industry leaders exhibit a decline in optimism, with a 9% drop from the previous year, reflecting concerns over political and economic challenges [1][8] Political and Regulatory Challenges - Leaders are divided on the impact of President Trump's administration, with 51% viewing it positively and 49% negatively [4] - A significant 64% believe the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will increase out-of-pocket costs for patients, while 56% anticipate that the Most Favored Nation policy will disrupt supply chains [4] Artificial Intelligence Development & Usage - Despite economic challenges, 59% of respondents plan to increase their budget for AI and large-language models in 2026 [5] - AI is expected to be implemented across various functions, including internal content development (41%), internal operations (38%), and financial analysis (37%) [5] Cybersecurity Concerns - Nearly half (47%) of respondents feel their organizations are vulnerable to cyber incidents [6] - Only 60% have a crisis communications plan, a decrease from 68% in 2025, and participation in simulation exercises has dropped to 47% from 53% [6] Transactions & Capital Markets Activity - 65% of respondents expect M&A activity to rise in 2026, but only 54% are optimistic about increased IPO activity, a 7% decline from 2025 [7] - The fundraising environment is anticipated to be more challenging, with only 28% believing it will be easier to raise capital in 2026 [7]

Shut Down And Restart—New Microsoft Attack Beats Passwords, 2FA And PasskeysCheck Point explains that this new technique “tricks people into giving attackers access to their Microsoft accounts.Read more:https://t.co/EcS5Vgzcrm (Photo: Photothek via Getty Images) https://t.co/hJDRodqkhs ...

Core Viewpoint - Monroe Capital LLC has acted as the sole lead arranger and administrative agent for a senior credit facility to support the growth of SDG Corporation, backed by private equity sponsor Recognize Partners [1] Company Overview - SDG Corporation is a leading managed cybersecurity services provider, focusing on identity and access management (IAM), threat, and risk [1] - The company is headquartered in Norwalk, CT, and employs approximately 400 professionals across the U.S. and India [1]

Core Insights - Old Dominion University's School of Cybersecurity has achieved dual validation from the National Security Agency (NSA) for its cyber and artificial intelligence programs, marking a significant milestone in cybersecurity education [1][2]. Group 1: Program Validation - The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a Major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity received validation for NSA's AI for Cybersecurity recognition, AICyber [4]. - The Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a concentration in AI Security received validation for the Security of AI program, SecureAI [4]. - These programs are validated through 2030, highlighting their long-term relevance [4]. Group 2: Institutional Commitment - Old Dominion University emphasizes innovation and quality in its educational offerings, as stated by President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., showcasing the institution's commitment to meeting industry needs [3][5]. - The School of Cybersecurity has earned all three of NSA's Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations, including CAE Cyber Defense, CAE Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research, establishing its leadership in cybersecurity education [6]. Group 3: Growth and Development - The School of Cybersecurity has grown significantly since its inception, enrolling approximately 1,700 students and graduating over 1,500 alumni since its establishment in 2020 [7]. - The academic programs have expanded from a single interdisciplinary major to nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs, adapting to the evolving national cybersecurity workforce [8]. Group 4: Partnerships and Opportunities - The University has developed partnerships with national agencies and companies, including local military bases, NSA, and Amazon, to create internship, research, and certification opportunities for students [8]. - The launch of MonarchSphere powered by Google Cloud represents a collaboration aimed at fostering innovation in higher education [10].

Core Insights - Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) has signed a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Luminar Semiconductor, Inc. (LSI) for $110 million in an all-cash transaction, which is subject to customary adjustments [1][2] - The acquisition will enhance QCi's technology roadmap by integrating LSI's photonic components, patents, and experienced workforce, thereby accelerating the development of compact, fully-integrated quantum systems for commercial use [2][3] - The deal is expected to create dual revenue opportunities: expanding LSI's existing non-quantum customer base and leveraging LSI's technology to commercialize quantum appliances in targeted markets [3] Company Overview - QCi specializes in quantum optics and integrated photonics technology, providing accessible quantum machines and foundry services for photonic chip production [4] - The company aims to operate its products at room temperature and low power, focusing on high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and remote sensing applications [4] Transaction Details - LSI, a subsidiary of Luminar Technologies, is not a debtor in Luminar's ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, and the transaction will require bankruptcy court approval under a Section 363 sale process [3] - QCi has agreed to be the proposed stalking horse bidder for LSI, which includes customary bid protections [3] - The parties anticipate closing the transaction by the end of January 2026, pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions [3]

ServiceNow's potential acquisition of Armis could significantly enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and market position.Armis reports impressive growth, with annual recurring revenue increasing to $300 million from $200 million in 2024.Despite a potential downside in stock price as per KeyBanc's analysis, ServiceNow's strategic moves could bolster long-term value.ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW) is a leading provider of workflow automation solutions, helping businesses streamline their operations. The company is cu ...

🚨 ALERT: North Korean hackers are targeting crypto users through fake Zoom meetings that deploy malware to steal passwords and private keys, warns Security Alliance.If you’ve clicked these links, immediately disconnect device, transfer crypto to new wallets, change all passwords, enable 2FA, and perform full memory wipe before reuse. ...

Core Insights - ServiceNow is in advanced discussions to acquire cybersecurity startup Armis for up to $7 billion, which would mark its largest acquisition to date [1][8] - The deal is expected to be announced soon, although there is a possibility it could collapse or attract other bidders [1][8] Company Overview - ServiceNow provides software solutions for automating and organizing IT and personnel operations, establishing itself as a dominant platform for enterprise workflow [2] - Armis, founded by Israeli military veterans, specializes in identifying and tracking security threats across various industries, including defense, financial services, and medicine [3][4] Financial Performance - Armis reported an annual recurring revenue of $300 million in 2025, up from $200 million the previous year, and is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 [4] Previous Acquisition Attempts - In 2020, Armis was previously set to be acquired for $1.1 billion by Insight Partners and other investors, including Alphabet's CapitalG [5] - Thoma Bravo was also in discussions for a potential deal with Armis, indicating strong interest from multiple investors [5] Industry Context - The tech industry is increasingly focused on enhancing cybersecurity portfolios, with major players like Microsoft and Salesforce integrating generative AI and cybersecurity features into their products [6] - Recent acquisitions in the sector include Alphabet's purchase of Wiz Inc. for $32 billion and Palo Alto's acquisition of CyberArk Software for approximately $25 billion [7]

RT Tay 💖 (@tayvano_)🚨 WARNING (AGAIN)DPRK threat actors are still rekting way too many of you via their fake Zoom / fake Teams meets.They're taking over your Telegrams -> using them to rekt all your friends.They've stolen over $300m via this method already.Read this. Stop the cycle. 🙏 https://t.co/tJTo9lkq0v ...