During the year 2023, cases of ransomware attacks on companies in Latin America increased, according to ESET’s annual report, Security Report. The company estimated that last year, 23 % of the region’s companies were affected.

In the document they highlight that not only the number of cases increased but also the sophistication in the execution of these effects in Latam to companies of all sizes and sectors.

ESTE pointed out that cybercriminals now use more specialized techniques. Digital criminals have used extortion strategies in both companies and government agencies.

In this sense, the report points out that “groups such as LockBit, BlackCat, Clop and Medusa, among others, have used the “ransomware as a service” (RaaS) model, which allows low-level operators to access sophisticated attack tools without the need for advanced technical knowledge.”

Double extortion was the most dominant method. It consists of not only “encrypting a company’s critical files, but also threatening to publish sensitive data if payment is not made.”

Weak security measures facilitate ransomware attacks

ESET emphasizes that the lack of strong security measures has made the path easier for cybercriminals. The report indicates that “only 2 in 5 companies in the region update their systems more than twice a year, leaving many organizations vulnerable to exploitation by new security gaps.”

The damage caused is now more severe. With this, cybercriminals seek to delete critical data and thereby force victims to pay ransoms.

An important fact for Latin America, which the ESET report highlights, is the weakness that the region presents in facing ransomware attacks “since, on average, only 50 % of the sectors in the report (telecommunications, public services, banking /finance, health and government) have a response plan for possible incidents generated by cyberattacks.”

M.Pino

Source: cointelegraph

(Reference image source: Unsplash+, in collaboration with Getty Images)

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La entrada In 2023, ransomware attacks affected 23 % of companies in LA apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The president of the Venezuelan Chamber of Electronic Commerce, Venezuela (Cavecom-e), at the end of 2023 the sector experienced a growth of 150 %.

During an interview for Unión Radio, the specialist indicated that double-digit growth is expected for the next two years.

According to Ujueta, the growth of electronic commerce in the country is a daily process, “the incorporation is massive.” This was indicated during the presentation on February 7 of the Electronic Commerce Law before the National Assembly.

At the event, he called for “all sectors involved in electronic commerce to be incorporated to reach a consensus, have a law accepted by all and that generates benefits for the State, consumer and merchant.”

M.Pino

Source: finanzasdigital

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La entrada Electronic commerce experienced growth in Venezuela during 2023 apareció primero en Bitfinance.

E-commerce giant Amazon posted a staggering net profit of $30.425 billion in fiscal year 2023, marking a notable rebound after a challenging year in which investments in Rivian resulted in losses of $2.7 billion.

Under the leadership of Andy Jassy, the company recorded cumulative net sales of $574,785 million, an increase of 12 % over 2022. This growth was highlighted in its main segments, especially in the smart cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Jassy, in a statement, stressed that the record Christmas sales season was the culmination of a robust exercise. The results reflect the strong performance of AWS and the new capabilities of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

After a 2022 hit by economic uncertainty due to interest rate hikes, the war in Ukraine and supply chain problems, the company focused on revitalizing its logistics business and innovating in AI.

Amazon also implemented drastic cost cuts, including layoffs of some 27,000 workers, mostly in the first half of the year.

In 2023, the bulk of Amazon’s revenue came mainly from the North American business, reaching $352.8 billion, an increase of 12 %. It was followed by the international business with $131.2 billion, an increase of 11 %, and AWS with $90.8 billion, an increase of 13 %.

In the fourth quarter, crucial for Wall Street analysts, Amazon generated a profit of $10,624 million, more than 30 times higher than the modest $278 million of the same period in 2022. In addition, net sales reached 169,961 million, an increase of 14 %.

K. Tovar

Source: El Economista

(Reference image source: Christian Wiediger, Unsplash)

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La entrada Amazon earnings grew 12 % in 2023 apareció primero en Bitfinance.

China surpassed Japan during 2023 in vehicle exports, with an average of 4.91 million units on the global market.

Automotive sector production continued to grow over the past year, causing China to surpass Japan’s exports, which reached 4.2 million vehicles during the same period.

It is important to note that “Chinese customs calculated a higher figure of 5.22 million, which represents a strong year-on-year increase of 57 %.” Likewise, Japanese Toyota’s car production exceeds volumes in other countries.

Meanwhile, China continues to advance in scenarios related to the automotive sector with firm steps. In fact, the Chinese company BYD has this month displaced “Tesla as the largest seller of electric vehicles, thanks in part to strong government support for the sector.”

In addition, the Asian country successfully maintains the production of electric models, despite some setbacks related to alleged anti-competitive practices, according to arguments coming from the West.

M.Pino

Source: swissinfo

(Main reference image: Unsplash+, in collaboration with Getty Images)

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La entrada China is the world’s largest exporter of vehicles apareció primero en Bitfinance.

Netflix reported a 20.3 % increase in revenue in 2023, reaching $5,407.9 million, and projected revenue growth of more than 10 % by 2024.

The streaming company grossed $33,723.3 million last year, 6.6 % more than in 2022, and added 260.2 million subscribers at the end of the last quarter, 12.8 % more than the previous year.

Netflix expects to earn 9.24 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2024, 13.2 % more than in the same period of 2023, and achieve a net profit of 1.976 billion dollars.

In a letter to its shareholders, Netflix stated that it has “enough room to grow as streaming expands” and that if it can “improve Netflix faster than the competition, we will have a more valuable company for consumers, creators and shareholders.”

Netflix closed the fourth quarter of 2023 with net profits of $938 million, up 1.605 % from the same quarter of 2022, and revenues of $8.833 million, up 12.5 %.

Netflix started 2024 with a “good pace” and expects its revenues to grow to double digits during the year, thanks to subscribers increase and an adjustment in the price of the service.

K. Tovar

Source: Eleconomista

(Reference image source: Ventil Views, Unsplash)

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The leading company in proactive threat detection, ESET, conducted a thorough analysis of the most common scam modalities detected on the Facebook Marketplace over the course of the year. This report details the crucial signals that users should pay attention to in order to identify and avoid falling into the traps of cybercriminals.

Under the direction of Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, Head of the Research Laboratory at ESET Latin America, the growing appeal of Marketplace as an online shopping and sales platform has attracted the attention of cybercriminals, resulting in an increase in scams and deceptions on this platform.

• Defective Items: Sellers post products with misleading photos, presenting them in perfect condition, but deliver damaged products, especially problematic in electronic items.
• Fake Items: Cases of counterfeit goods, such as designer clothes, perfumes, jewelry, and cosmetics, are common. Tempting offers are often an indicator of possible deception.
• Google Voice Scams: They take advantage of Marketplace to commit fraud on other platforms, requesting verification codes to steal Google Voice accounts.
• Overpayment: Scammers pretend to be buyers who claim to have overpaid and request a refund of the difference, without actually making any payment.
• Never Arrive Purchase: Sellers receive payment but do not deliver the item, applicable to items shipped from outside the buyer’s local area.
• Phishing and Fake Sweepstakes: Scammers use phishing emails with fake offers and sweepstakes to get personal information from victims.
• Insurance Scam: They pretend to be buyers willing to pay for shipping, but ask the seller for a small fee for an insurance assumption.
• Misleading Offers: Advertise high-quality products at tempting prices, then inform the buyer that the product is no longer available, offering more expensive alternatives.

ESET tips for detecting scams on Facebook Marketplace

• Inspect Items Personally: Purchase only from local sellers and review items prior to transaction.
• Meeting in Safe Places: Establish as meeting point public places, well lit and preferably during the day.
• Review Buyer/Seller Profiles: Know profile ratings and be alert to newly created profiles.
• Check Market Prices: Be suspicious if there is a large difference between the selling price and the market price, as it could indicate forgery, theft or defects.
• Caution with Offers and Gifts: Avoid providing personal data to access offers and gifts.
• Use Trusted Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods through Facebook Messenger, such as PayPal and Facebook Checkout.
• Keep Conversations on Facebook: Avoid moving the conversation to other platforms where it’s easier to scam people.
• Do Not Send Items Before Payment: If you are a seller, do not send products before receiving payment.
• Monitor Price Changes: Be on the lookout for unexpected changes in the agreed price.
• Do Not Share Verification Codes: Avoid sharing verification codes with potential buyers.

It is advisable to denounce or report

In case of suspected fraud, ESET advises to report the vendor and immediately report the incident to the Facebook Marketplace. Gutiérrez Amaya underlines the importance of adopting good security practices to prevent problems when surfing and shopping online.

With information and image provided by ESET and Comstat Rowland

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Bancamiga closes 2023 with the satisfaction generated by having achieved the highest levels of efficiency, profitability and growth in our new but solid history. The consolidation of the bank and its sustainable growth placed it – in the last two years – as the fifth financial force in the private banking segment.

These results achieved have been possible with products, services and projects supported by innovation and the commitment of men and women to make the institution one of the most important in the country.

In the last three years, Bancamiga has quintupled the number of clients, multiplied by seven the number of accounts and to date is the private bank with the largest number of sales points placed, by managing to put in the hands of its clients (natural and legal) more than 150,000 units, in alliance with Soluciones Integrales Tecnológica SITCA.

“It has been very significant to close this year with 43 agencies distributed throughout the national territory after inaugurating six new branches during 2023. In two years we have doubled our presence in the country, with an important positioning in western Venezuela, which has “It has been the basis for our growth,” said Ariel Martínez, the executive president of Bancamiga Banco Universal.

Martínez expressed that more than 578 operations, throughout the country, and the entry into operation of the Mobile Unit have been determining factors in this development and in the growing banking use of more Venezuelans. Since its entry into operation on May 18, the mobile unit visited 22 locations, managing to bank 3,734 clients.

The Bancamiga Móvil initiative is a response to the needs of Venezuelans. At this point of business, people have the opportunity to learn about and acquire Bancamiga products and services, including opening accounts with minimum requirements, card changes, the Mastercard Debit Card, the MasterKids card, and financing plans for POS.

Bancamiga registered an increase in total deposits in 2023. The relative growth of the institution was 205.63% in bolivars and 52.43% in dollars. For its part, the credit portfolio reached an annual growth of 280.03%.

Martínez confirmed that “Bancamiga is innovative and disruptive, fundamental pillars to sustain growth. In 2023, our bank became the first institution in Venezuela to present Contactless technology, and it did so with its points of sale and with the Mastercard Debit Card, which allows you to make online purchases and pay at points of sale abroad.”

Bancamiga: Together to build a better country

In 2023, Bancamiga was selected as the second-best financial institution and the sixth-best company to work for in Venezuela. It also managed to be in the top 50 in Latin America, according to Great Place to Work, a world leader in organizational culture, which in November granted Bancamiga its certification for the third consecutive year.

“All this has been achieved in just 16 years of believing, dreaming and working together to build a better country,” he stressed.

To contribute to the sustainable development of Venezuelans, Bancamiga established alliances with public and private companies, and promoted initiatives and programs in the education, culture, environment, social economy and microbusiness sectors.

“In terms of CSR, we achieved more than 2,000 entrepreneurs trained in 100 training activities, 32 inter-institutional alliances to strengthen social responsibility management, among which the United Nations Program, Fundafelices, IESA and, very importantly, the donation to the UCAB with an IBM server that will be used for the training of students, which will allow them to connect with technology, in addition to support in training activities, research projects and support for its Entrepreneurship Center, among many others that are of utmost importance for the growth of our country,” he noted.

For 2024, Bancamiga plans to reaffirm its success and surpass everything achieved during 2023

“We will make this a reality with the launch of new products, offering services tailored to clients, and with the effort, commitment and dedication of our collaborators, who give their best every day to support the growth of the bank and promote all together a better Venezuela.”

With information from Bancamiga Banco Universal

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La entrada Ariel Martínez: “Bancamiga is consolidated by the innovation and commitment of its team” apareció primero en Bitfinance.

Under intense applause and repeated shouts of ¡Brea! …Brea!, the Bancamiga once again reaffirmed its connection with sport and Venezuelan societyand Bancamiga figure, Joselyn Brea, rose to the top of the podium this Sunday after easily winning the 10K Nike Runners supporting runners, which started and finished in the vicinity of the Alfredo Sadel square in Las Mercedes.

As soon as the game started, the young woman born 29 years ago in the state of Carabobo came out to comfortably lead the group of participating women to cross the finish line 34 minutes 45 seconds later. At all times she looked relaxed, focused and smiling. María Garrido, with 36.42 and Egris Arias (37.25) took second and third place, respectively.

“I felt very good and calm. Yesterday I did 20 kilometers and today these 10K were training. The competition was very well organized, and I thank Bancamiga for all the support it has given me on my path to Paris 2024. In the next few days, I am traveling to the United States to continue my preparation.”

While receiving the prizes for his victory, including a special bonus from Bancamiga given by the Director of Payment Methods and Channels, Alberto Camardiel, Brea said that at the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile, where he achieved gold in the 5,000 and 1,500 tests flat meters, it was an honor to leave “our tricolor at the top and I hope everyone was proud of me. We have to work and fight for our dreams. Everything is possible”.

In men, Gabriel Guzmán won with a time of 30.06, followed by Whinton Palma (30.21) and Marvin Blanco (31.25).

“The strategy worked perfectly. I tried at all times to stay close to Whitton and push at the end. I loved the organization and the good atmosphere we enjoyed,” said Guzmán, 21, who will travel to the United States this week after receiving a scholarship from a university in the state of California.

On the route, the financial institution supported the participants with an animation point at kilometer 9, which served to energize the runners in that final stretch of a competition that brought together athletes from all over the country; where Bancamiga once again reaffirmed its connection with sport and with Venezuelan society, in addition to offering innovative and timely products and services that satisfy the needs and improve the quality of life of citizens.

With information and images from Bancamiga Banco Universal

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La entrada Joselyn Brea and Bancamiga shone in the Nike 10K apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The double gold medalist of the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile in 5,000 and 1,500 meters, the Venezuelan Joselyn Brea, will be this Sunday at the Nike 10K Runners helping runners, with the firm intention of continuing her great year.

Brea has just made history by becoming the first Venezuelan athlete to reach the top of the podium in track events in a hemispheric event and as part of her preparation she participated in the Caracas Rock 10K, where she won without setbacks in a route that culminated in the main avenue of Las Mercedes.

This Sunday it returns to the asphalt of the capital, when it will seek to prevail again against the best in the country on a route that will have as its starting and finishing point the vicinity of Plaza Alfredo Sadel. During the delivery of materials tomorrow, Saturday, he will sign autographs in the Cité Events Room, Terrace Level, CCCT, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The young athlete who is the image of Bancamiga has just been applauded this week, when she made the first pitch of the game Leones vs. Cardinals, at the Simón Bolívar Monumental Stadium.

“Every time I see the final of the 5,000 meters and then the 1,500 meters it makes me want to cry. I am very happy for the medals and because the work we have been doing has borne fruit. We will continue dreaming and working for the great goal that will be in August of next year, with the Paris Olympic Games,” he expressed during the broadcast of Bancamiga’s Conecta2 program, prior to the start of that meeting.

Although her participation in next year’s Olympic Games has not yet been made official, her results and outstanding position in the World Athletics Ranking suggest that she will be one of the 905 women in athletics who will be in Paris 2024.

“Thank you Bancamiga for believing in me,” she said

Brea once again thanked Bancamiga for its support on her path to this great event, which has allowed her to be in the Diamond League, in the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest and now in the Pan American Games.

The president of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga, Carmelo De Grazia, said that Joselyn Brea has brought Bancamiga and the country a lot of joy in recent days, which confirms how successful it has been for the institution to add figures like Joselyn who are examples of dedication, strength, discipline and commitment.

“It was very exciting for Bancamiga employees that this Wednesday he walked through each of our floors and gave us his time to be photographed with the staff along with his two medals. That fact demonstrates his great humility and simplicity,” he added.

Brea not only holds the record of being the first Venezuelan to win a double gold medal in a track event at the Pan American Games. He also accumulates other merits such as the national record in 1,500 meters achieved in Stanford (United States) with 4:07.27, twice the South American record for the 5,000 meters (until it was set at 14:47.76) and other national indoor records (9:04.67 in 3,000 meters) and 10 kilometers on the road, achieved in Valencia (Spain) with 32:05.

With information and image provided by Bancamiga

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La entrada Joselyn Brea: after winning Caracas Rock, I’m going for the Nike 10K on Sunday apareció primero en Bitfinance.

The president of the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela, Elvis Amoroso, announced this Friday that a referendum will be held on December 3 on Guayana Esequiba, the part of Guyana that Caracas claims as its own.

“Unanimously all the rectors, by virtue of the fact that the document had already been notified, it was already approved on December 3 to hold the referendum among the entire people of Venezuela,” said Amoroso, as reported by the newspaper El Universal.

Amoroso has not yet detailed the questions that citizens will have to answer in December. The electoral body plans to meet in permanent session to discuss the next steps for the referendum.

The president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, had previously presented to Amoroso the request for a call to hold the referendum after the Chamber approved the consultative initiative last September.

Maduro has on numerous occasions claimed sovereignty over Essequibo, which comprises about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, by “historical right.” This long-standing dispute was fueled after oil was found in the area.

Essequibo is a territory of 159,542 kilometers that has important natural resources – oil, gas, mining, hydraulic and forestry – and great tourism potential. It is administered by Guyana pursuant to an 1899 arbitration award.

Specifically, Guyana argues that Caracas agreed to give up Essequibo after the ruling in 1899, but that Venezuela later retracted the decision. For its part, Caracas alleges that the decision was unfair.

Source: dpa

(Referential image source: Presidency of Venezuela, Europa Press / dpa)

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La entrada Venezuela announces a referendum on Guayana Esequiba apareció primero en Bitfinance.