WORCESTER, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / SideChannel, Inc. (OTCQB:SDCH) ("SideChannel"), a leading provider of cybersecurity services and technology from emerging to enterprise companies, today announced the appointment Anna Seacat to its Board of Directors underscoring SideChannel's dedication to leadership excellence and innovation in addressing cybersecurity challenges.Seacat brings more than a decade of marketing and technology leadership experience spanning cybersecurity, enterprise soft ...

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR S&P Information Technology ETF (XLK) is experiencing a significant rally, marking its longest winning streak since September 2020, driven by chipmakers and software stocks rather than mega-cap tech companies [1][8]. Group 1: ETF Performance - XLK advanced for the 10th consecutive session on December 5, 2026, gaining 3.5% last week and outperforming the broader market [1]. - The rally is notable as it is not primarily driven by major tech companies like Meta Platforms and Alphabet, which are not included in XLK [2][3]. Group 2: Key Contributors - NVIDIA Corp, the top holding in XLK, contributed significantly with over a 4% increase last week [3]. - Other notable stocks that drove gains include SanDisk, Salesforce, Adobe, Micron Technology, and Intel, all rising more than 4% on December 5, 2025 [4]. Group 3: Semiconductor Market Outlook - The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization forecasts a growth of over 25% for the global semiconductor market in 2026, reaching $975 billion, with Memory and Logic segments expected to grow by over 30% year over year [5]. - PWC projects the semiconductor market to reach $0.6 trillion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%, surpassing $1 trillion by 2030, driven by the growth in generative AI services [6]. Group 4: Software Market Outlook - The global software market size was $823.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach approximately $2,248.33 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 11.8% from 2025 to 2034, fueled by AI integration, cloud computing, and cybersecurity demand [7]. Group 5: Investment Opportunities - The continued strength of XLK indicates that chipmakers and software stocks will be key growth engines for the tech sector in 2026, making VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and State Street SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) attractive investment options [8].

Core Insights - Granite has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, enhancing its capability to serve federal clients and protect sensitive government data [1][3] - The CMMC program is being rolled out in phases, with new federal contracts requiring certification starting November 10, 2025, and all Department of War contracts requiring it by October 31, 2026 [1] - Granite is among fewer than 500 firms out of an anticipated 80,000 federal contractors to have obtained CMMC Level 2 certification [1] Certification Details - The CMMC framework mandates government contractors to certify their cybersecurity practices, and Granite achieved a perfect score by passing all 110 security requirements and meeting 320 assessment objectives [2] - CMMC Level 2 is crucial for infrastructure contractors like Granite, as it is necessary for handling Controlled Unclassified Information on federal projects [3] Company Positioning - Achieving CMMC Level 2 is seen as a transformative milestone for Granite, positioning the company to pursue high-value federal contracts [4] - The company has demonstrated a commitment to aligning its infrastructure, policies, and training with the CMMC framework over the past two years [3]

Summary of the 2026 Hospital Outlook Survey Industry Overview - The survey focuses on the US healthcare industry, specifically the hospital sector, and provides insights into capital expenditures, utilization trends, and the impact of macroeconomic factors on hospital operations [1][2]. Key Insights Utilization Trends - **Utilization Growth Expectations**: 52% of hospital executives anticipate utilization growth in 2026 to be above 2025 levels, a decrease from 55% in the previous year [7][19]. - **Outpatient vs. Inpatient**: 56% expect outpatient utilization growth to exceed 2025 levels, while 41% expect inpatient utilization growth to increase, up from 34% last year [11][19]. - **Elective Procedures**: 54% expect elective procedures to grow above or in line with 2025 levels, down from 64% last year [16][19]. Capital Expenditures (CapEx) - **CapEx Growth**: Hospital capital spending is projected to increase by 4.1% in 2026, consistent with the 4.0% growth reported in 2025 [7][45]. - **Investment Priorities**: Hospitals are likely to increase spending on bedside patient monitoring, bedside pumps, and operating room (OR) suite equipment [16][45]. - **Impact of OBBBA**: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may lead to conservative spending due to anticipated reimbursement pressures [49][46]. Robotics and Technology - **Robotic Systems**: 96% of hospitals currently utilize surgical robotic systems, with Intuitive Surgical maintaining a leading position in soft-tissue robotics [90][91]. - **Orthopedic Robotics Demand**: 49% of respondents expect to purchase orthopedic robotic systems, with Stryker's MAKO being the most favored option [7][8]. - **IT Investments**: Hospitals are prioritizing IT investments, particularly in AI (66% expect to increase spending) and cybersecurity (65%) [80][81]. Value-Based Care (VBC) - **Revenue Tied to VBC**: The average revenue tied to VBC arrangements is approximately 19%, down from 22% last year, although interest in establishing VBC partnerships has increased [34][35]. Challenges and Concerns - **Reimbursement Pressure**: 34% of executives cite reimbursement pressure as the biggest challenge for hospitals in the coming year, an increase from 25% last year [58][59]. - **Labor Costs**: Labor cost inflation remains a significant concern, with 18% of respondents identifying it as a major challenge [58][59]. Future Outlook - **Purchasing Intentions**: Despite economic uncertainties, over 70% of hospitals plan to consider purchasing new equipment across various categories in the next two years [62][64]. - **Investment in ASCs**: 57% of respondents expect to increase investments in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) over the next year, reflecting a shift towards outpatient care [18][19]. Additional Insights - **AI Utilization**: Hospitals are increasingly leveraging AI for tasks such as medical record analysis (56%) and clinical imaging analysis (52%), with larger hospitals showing a higher propensity to adopt these technologies [81][88]. - **Market Dynamics**: The survey indicates a stable payor mix for 2026, with commercial insurers and Medicare making up approximately 70% of the mix [12][27]. This comprehensive survey provides a detailed outlook on the hospital sector, highlighting trends in utilization, capital spending, and the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and reimbursement challenges.

If You See This Google Message, Your Gmail Is Under AttackAmerica’s cyber defense agency now warns Google, Microsoft and Apple users to secure their accounts — change passwords, remove SMS two-factor authentication and add passkeys. https://t.co/GwvAsURAG3 ...

Industry Overview - The cybersecurity sector is increasingly vital as the risk of data breaches and cybercrimes rises, driven by the AI revolution [3][4] - IBM's 2025 report indicates the global average cost of data breaches is $4.44 million, with U.S. incidents averaging $10.22 million, particularly high in the healthcare sector at $7.42 million [1][2] Market Growth - The cybersecurity market is projected to grow to $270 billion, with a 12% annual growth rate as companies increase spending on cybersecurity products by 50% [4][5] - Increased spending on security software is expected to capture a larger share of IT budgets due to the rising volume of cyberattacks [5] Investment Opportunities - Focus is shifting towards cybersecurity companies that can demonstrate consistent revenue growth and profitability [6] - A list of the best cybersecurity stocks under $50 has been compiled, highlighting those favored by elite hedge funds [8][9] Company Highlights - **Allot Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALLT)**: Current stock price is $9.25 with a 42.71% upside potential. The company reported a 14% year-over-year revenue growth, totaling $26.4 million, and a significant increase in net income [11][12][13] - **Radware Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDWR)**: Current stock price is $23.60 with a 54.39% upside potential. The company recently launched the LLM Firewall to protect against AI-targeted attacks and signed a partnership with Hitachi Solutions for its Cloud Application Protection Service [16][17][19]

Core Viewpoint - Plurilock Security Inc. announces the promotion of Veera Singh to Chief Financial Officer, effective January 9, 2026, as part of its strategy to strengthen its finance organization and support growth in commercial and defense markets [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Veera Singh has been with Plurilock for over four years and has significantly contributed to the company's growth and operational maturity [2]. - The current CFO, Scott Meyers, will depart the company on January 9, 2026, to pursue other opportunities, and the company expresses gratitude for his contributions [3]. - The company does not anticipate any disruption to operations or strategic initiatives due to this leadership change [4]. Group 2: Company Overview - Plurilock is a cybersecurity systems integrator that provides services and products to solve complex cyber problems in high-stakes environments [5]. - The company is trusted by Five-Eyes governments, NATO-aligned agencies, and Global 2000 enterprises, focusing on defending critical infrastructure [5].

Core Points - Cycurion, Inc. has completed a private placement with a single institutional investor, raising approximately $6 million through the sale of 1,657,460 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 3,314,920 shares at an effective price of $3.62 per share [1][2] - The company plans to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes [2] - A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as the sole placement agent for this offering [2] Company Overview - Cycurion, Inc. is based in McLean, Virginia, and specializes in IT cybersecurity solutions and AI, focusing on providing secure and innovative services to clients globally [5] - The company serves various sectors, including government, healthcare, and corporate clients, and operates subsidiaries such as Axxum Technologies LLC, Cloudburst Security LLC, and Cycurion Innovation, Inc. [5]

Core Viewpoint - SentinelOne, Inc. experienced a significant drop in share price due to fourth-quarter revenue guidance falling short of analyst expectations, despite reporting strong third-quarter results [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported adjusted earnings of $0.07 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $0.05 [1]. - Revenue for the third quarter rose 23% year over year to $258.9 million, slightly above the consensus estimate of $256.16 million [1]. - Annualized recurring revenue increased by 23% to $1.06 billion [1]. Fourth-Quarter Guidance - SentinelOne projected fourth-quarter revenue of $271 million, which is below the anticipated $273.5 million from analysts [2]. Operational Milestones - The company achieved a non-GAAP operating margin of 7%, an improvement from -5% a year earlier [2]. - Non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 79%, slightly below last year's 80% [2]. - The number of customers generating more than $100,000 in annual recurring revenue increased by 20% to 1,572 [2]. Management Changes - CFO Barbara Larson will depart in mid-January 2026 for an external opportunity, with Chief Growth Officer Barry Padgett stepping in as interim CFO [3].

Core Viewpoint - Cycurion Inc. plans to distribute a special dividend of $500,000 in the form of its common shares to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2025, with payment expected around December 30, 2025 [1][4]. Dividend Details - The special dividend is based on the company's closing price of $6.00 per share on August 29, 2025, leading to a total distribution of approximately 83,333 common shares [2][8]. - Following a 30-for-1 reverse stock split, Cycurion has about 3,332,482 common shares outstanding, resulting in a distribution ratio of approximately 0.0250 shares for each existing share held as of the record date [3][8]. - Shareholders must own CYCU common shares by the close of business on December 15, 2025, to be eligible for the dividend [4][8]. Company Overview - Cycurion, based in McLean, Virginia, specializes in IT cybersecurity solutions and AI, focusing on delivering secure and innovative services to clients globally [5]. - The company serves various sectors, including government, healthcare, and corporate clients, through its subsidiaries [5].