AUSTIN, Texas and RESTON, Va., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS), developing trusted artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for defense and national security, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider^®, today announced a partnership to bring SparkCognition’s Visual AI Advisor to schools and Public Sector agencies across the country. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as a Master Government Aggregator^® for SGS, making its computer vision technology available to the Public Sector through Carahsoft’s reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V, Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – Software 2 (ITES-SW2), National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) and OMNIA Partners contracts.

“Carahsoft has a proven track record of delivering world-class solutions to Public Sector organizations at every level of Government,” said Art Sellers, President and General Manager of SGS. “Through our partnership with Carahsoft, we will expand Government agency and educational institution access to our Visual AI Advisor, elevating public safety and security with a more proactive approach.”

SGS Visual AI Advisor is a secure and proactive computer vision solution that leverages a combination of computer vision, deep learning and existing camera systems to analyze situations in real-time, provide actionable alerts to authorities and stop threats proactively. It scales to thousands of cameras using a low-code/no-code integration framework and deploys at the edge, ensuring privacy and enterprise security. The Visual AI Advisor detects a variety of threats – such as a person holding a weapon, intrusion, trip and fall hazards or a person in need of medical attention – all triggering real-time alerts, setting off on-premise alarms or automatically initiating safety procedures. Visual AI Advisor has been contracted on more than 147,000 cameras across 16 countries and features more than 125 pre-built use cases for safety, security, operational efficiency, quality control and situational awareness.

“SGS’s innovative solutions empower Public Sector organizations and Educational institutions to seamlessly integrate AI efficiencies into their existing security infrastructure, reinforcing public safety,” said Michael Adams, Program Executive for AI Solutions at Carahsoft. “Through our collaboration with our reseller network, we aim to introduce the Visual AI Advisor to the Public Sector, offering customers a robust tool to effectively manage and secure their security infrastructure.”

SGS’ solutions are available through Carahsoft’s SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B, ITES-SW2 Contract W52P1J-20-D-0042, NCPA Contract NCPA01-86 and OMNIA Partners Contract #R191902. For more information, contact the Carahsoft team at (703) 871-8548 or SparkCognition@carahsoft.com.

About SparkCognition Government Systems
SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SparkCognition, is the first artificial intelligence (AI) company devoted entirely to government and national defense. By developing and operationalizing next-generation AI-powered systems, SGS enables government organizations to meet the needs of their most pressing national security missions. SGS advances government operations by analyzing complex data to inform and accelerate intelligent decisions, applying predictive and prescriptive analytics to improve logistics, deploying autonomy technology for power projection systems, using AI and machine learning for large-scale processing of unstructured data, and more. For in-depth information about SGS and its offerings, visit www.sparkgov.ai.

Contact
Cody Sibulo
csibulo@sparkcognition.com

About Carahsoft’s AI Portfolio 
Carahsoft’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Portfolio includes leading and emerging technology vendors that are enabling government agencies and systems integrators to harness the power of AI and ultimately meet mission needs. Supported by dedicated AI product specialists and an extensive ecosystem of resellers, integrators, and service providers, we help organizations identify the right technology for unique environments and provide access to technology solutions through our broad portfolio of contract vehicles. Our AI portfolio spans solutions for Data Center & Hardware, Generative AI, Synthetic Data & Labeling, Autonomous Systems & Robotics, and more. Learn more about Carahsoft’s AI solutions here.  

About Carahsoft
Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Records Management, Open Source, Customer Experience and Engagement and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com.

Contact
Mary Lange
(703) 230-7434
pr@carahsoft.com

SOURCE SparkCognition Government Systems

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkcognition-government-systems-partners-with-carahsoft-to-enhance-public-safety-with-visual-ai-driven-security-solutions-302048742.html

The post SparkCognition Government Systems Partners with Carahsoft to Enhance Public Safety with Visual AI-Driven Security Solutions first appeared on AITechTrend.

DENVER, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Generative AI is driving one of the largest booms in productivity since the industrial revolution. However, enterprises operating in regulated environments are acutely aware of the risks associated with generative AI concerning data security, privacy and sovereignty. Fresh on the mind of executives are the high-profile leaks of proprietary information, leading to cascading bans on employees using this technology.

A recent survey by Salesforce reveals these bans may not be having the desired effect, with over half of the users who reported utilizing this technology indicating they are doing so without consent from their organizations. Further, a separate study conducted by Liminal showed that 63% of employees would be comfortable sharing personal or proprietary corporate data with generative AI tools, regardless of company policy.

A team of prior executives from Amazon Web Services and FIS joined forces to build Liminal, a unique security platform allowing regulated enterprises to safely use generative AI, across every use case. Their model-agnostic, horizontal approach ensures organizations have complete control over the data submitted to these tools in every interaction – whether through direct engagements, through the consumption of off-the-shelf software with generative AI capabilities, or via generative AI-enabled applications built in-house.

“We want every organization to have the ability to say yes to generative AI,” said Steven Walchek, Liminal’s Founder and CEO. “With Liminal, CIOs and CISOs can securely administer generative AI while protecting their most sensitive data across every use case, regardless of the model(s) they want to use.”

“Generative AI will continue to proliferate and become increasingly specialized. We have strong conviction in Liminal’s approach to solving for the critical barrier to organizational adoption,” said High Alpha Partner Eric Tobias. “We’ve been excited to invest in Steve, and the work of the Liminal founding team, since the first day we met. Their successes to date are empowering a new era of value creation driven by unlocking generative AI for enterprises in regulated industries.”

About Liminal

Liminal empowers regulated enterprises to securely deploy and leverage generative AI across all use cases. With Liminal, organizations have complete control over the data submitted to large language models (LLMs). Whether that be through direct interactions, through the consumption of off-the-shelf software with generative AI capabilities, or via the generative AI-enabled applications built in-house, Liminal’s unique horizontal platform helps ensure protection against regulatory compliance risk, data security risk, and reputational risk. Across every model, in every application you use, and in every application you’re building. For more information, visit liminal.ai or follow Liminal on LinkedIn.

Note to editors: Please visit Liminal’s Leaders Bio Page for additional founder backgrounds.

SOURCE Liminal

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/generative-ai-safely-unlocked-for-regulated-industries-with-public-release-of-liminal-302046861.html

The post Generative AI Safely Unlocked for Regulated Industries with Public Release of Liminal first appeared on AITechTrend.

When a router or host encounters an issue processing an IP data packet, it will send an ICMP message to the source of the data. These messages include information like the original datagram and an error code.

Flow Control

One of ICMP’s primary uses is to report network communications errors. Suppose something happens during data transmission between two devices, such as a packet getting lost or an invalid header checksum. In that case, the sending device receives an ICMP message informing it of the issue.

Routers, the unsung heroes directing traffic across the internet, have a symbiotic relationship with ICMP. They use the protocol to communicate errors back to the sender, ensuring transparency in network communication and preventing problems that could lead to an outage in a large corporate environment. Furthermore, the ICMP protocol, vital for network diagnostics, facilitates the exchange of control messages and error notifications between network devices, ensuring efficient communication across interconnected systems.

For example, when a packet has an invalid header or is too big for its intended destination, ICMP will send a Destination Unreachable message to the sending device. Similarly, when a router deems a packet too old (its time-to-live field has expired), it will notify the source of the discarded box by sending a Time Exceeded message.

ICMP also supports the ping utility, one of the most popular ways to test a network for connectivity and latency. The mechanism also underlies another diagnostic heavyweight, ‘traceroute,’ which traces the path packets take from their origin to their ultimate destinations by analyzing intermediary routers’ “Time Exceeded” messages. This enables administrators to pinpoint potential points of failure and make adjustments accordingly.

Error Reporting

The IP protocol enables data transmission between devices but does not perform error reporting or exception handling. ICMP fills this role by providing communication between devices and the upper layers of the network when packet transmission experiences an error. This allows higher-layer protocols to handle error conditions more efficiently and ensures that the necessary components for network communication are delivered correctly.

ICMP messages are encapsulated within IP packets, so they are transmitted over the Internet and can be received by any device with an IP connection. These messages do not have a priority value, meaning they are not given special treatment by network devices and can sometimes be interrupted. This is a good design feature because it prevents a single ICMP message from creating a chain of error messages, which could overwhelm the network and lead to unnecessary slowdowns.

In addition to error-reporting messages, ICMP also delivers query messages that facilitate network diagnostics. For example, the ping and tracert programs use ICMP to determine how long data travels between routers. These devices are called hops in the ping and tracert programs, and the information revealed by these messages can be used to locate and troubleshoot issues with a network.

Other ICMP message types include the destination unreachable error, sent when a device detects a packet has not been delivered to its destination host. In addition, a source quench message can be sent to the message sender when the routers along the route experience congestion and cannot deliver packets.

Network Diagnostics

ICMP provides error reporting and diagnostic functions in addition to its core functionality as a protocol for Internet packet delivery. It enables network devices to communicate issues they encounter while forwarding IP data packets to upper-layer protocols such as DNS and SMTP.

For example, when a device receives an ICMP Echo Request message from another device, it responds with an ICMP Echo Reply to verify that the other device is functioning correctly. This exchange verifies device connectivity and provides valuable information about network latency and other factors.

However, ICMP can also be weaponized for malicious purposes such as Distributed Denial of Service attacks. This is accomplished by directing many ICMP messages toward a target system, which overwhelms and exhausts the system’s resources, leaving it unresponsive to users.

Error-reporting messages are at the heart of ICMP’s functionality, and some are particularly useful in troubleshooting issues in complex network infrastructure. For instance, the ICMP Destination Unreachable message sends a packet back to the packet’s source when routers or intermediate hosts determine that it cannot reach the destination device. Similarly, the ICMP source quench message notifies the packet’s source that its transmission rate should be reduced to prevent congestion. This is an excellent tool for reducing unnecessary traffic and lowering the probability of data packet loss.

Security

ICMP works at the network layer, integrating feedback and error reporting functions with IP operations. It informs upper-layer protocols about errors or exceptions during packet transmission, which helps them improve error control and flow control.

For example, if data packets of a particular size are too large for the router to handle, the router will discard them and send an ICMP message back to the originating device that explains what happened. This helps the sender take corrective action to avoid the issue in the future.

All ICMP messages are sent as datagrams, self-contained chunks of information holding the ICMP header and ICMP data part. The ICMP header contains a type and code, which determines the specific types of ICMP messages that can be sent. Each ICMP message also has a checksum to ensure that the ICMP data portion has not been corrupted during transmission.

Examples of ICMP messages include destination unreachable (Type 3), which indicates the router cannot forward the datagram to the intended destination host; source quench (Type 4), which informs the sending device that it is sending too fast and should decrease its speed; and time exceeded (Type 5) that tells the transmitting machine that the datagram’s time-to-live field is about to expire and that it needs to resend it soon. ICMP messages also let the network administrator know when the routers in the network are experiencing problems.

The post How ICMP Protocol Facilitates Error Reporting and Network Diagnostics first appeared on AITechTrend.

Data annotation work plays a pivotal role in AI and machine learning by refining raw data for algorithmic consumption. The immense value of this process is evident, with the global industry exceeding a valuation of USD 0.8 billion in 2022. Experts anticipate its growth to soar with a CAGR of 33.2%, targeting a remarkable USD 3.6 billion by 2027.

With AI permeating various sectors, there’s an amplifying need for high-quality, annotated data. Consequently, many companies are seeking specialized COCO annotator service providers, highlighting the increasing significance and demand for expert annotation in today’s digital age.

source

Understanding Different Types of Annotation Services

In the AI and machine learning realm, “annotation” labels diverse data types, from images to audio. It’s the bridge that makes data understandable for algorithms. Let’s explore the various annotation services pivotal in our tech-driven world.

Image and Video Annotation

Annotating images and videos means adding labels to visuals to pinpoint objects or depict movements. This often entails drawing boxes around items to discern them or tracing the trajectory of a moving entity in footage. Such detailed object detection and segmentation forms the bedrock for tasks like identifying faces, detecting objects, or analyzing videos.

Text and NLP Annotation

When we talk about text and NLP annotation, we’re diving into the world of marking up written content. This can mean pinpointing feelings in words, spotlighting names of places or individuals, or breaking down language patterns. It’s this groundwork that powers things like our chat interactions, gauging emotional tones, or converting languages.

COCO Instance Segmentation

Andrij Maksymchuk of cocoannotator.com explains, “COCO instance segmentation is a refined image annotation. Instead of just boxing an object, COCO Panoptic Segmentation traces its exact contour.” This detail is vital for tasks like autonomous driving and medical imagery, where precise object boundaries are critical.

Audio and Speech Annotation

When we dive into audio and speech annotation, we’re essentially giving meaning to sound bites. This could be jotting down what someone’s saying, picking up on a distant car horn, or noting the change in someone’s voice pitch. This handiwork is the magic behind voice-activated gadgets, tools that dissect sound, and other nifty AI apps that rely on our ears.

source

The Importance of Specialization in Data Annotation

In AI, precise data labeling is key. While general annotations have their place, specialized methods often prove more effective. Let’s explore the limitations of broad annotations and the rise of tailored services in today’s AI world.

Challenges of Generic Annotation

Going broad in annotation can lead to the following pitfalls:

• Details Getting Overlooked: Universal techniques might miss out on little, yet significant specifics necessary for some sectors.
• Mixed Results: Not having a strategy can give you quite the medley, especially when data types differ.
• Not So Fast: If methods aren’t tailor-made for certain data, it might take a while to get things done.
• Mistakes Might Creep In: Not knowing a field inside-out can mean more chances of getting it wrong.
• Struggling to Keep Up: As tech projects get intricate, those all-encompassing services might not cut it anymore.

The Rise of Selected Annotation Services

The move to selected annotation services in AI addresses the shortcomings of generic approaches. Tailored services ensure annotations match sector-specific intricacies and complexities:

• Tailored for Specific Requirements: Dedicated services consider the fine details of distinct industries, making sure annotations match up with particular domain needs.
• Spot-On Precision: When you really get the subject, labels just feel right, leading to AI you can count on.
• Quick Results: Custom-made approaches speed up the process for certain kinds of data.
• In Step with Innovation: These specialized services move and morph in line with AI progression.
• Detailed Oversight: Thanks to robust review processes, these entities maintain top-tier annotation quality.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Annotation Service Provider

Choosing high-quality annotation services is a bit like finding the perfect puzzle piece for your project. You’ll want someone who not only fits your current needs but can grow with you. When on the hunt for top-notch annotation services, here’s what you should keep on your radar:

• Accuracy and Quality Assurance

Determine how the annotation provider ensures data precision. Consider their mix of manual checks and automated tools, as well as their methods for error correction and review frequency.

• Scalability and Turnaround Times

Assess whether the provider can handle growing data volumes and adapt to your needs. Evaluate their average delivery speeds against your deadlines.

• Security and Data Privacy

You’d want them to respect data privacy rules like GDPR. Dive in and ask about their protection measures and how often they check their security walls.

• Cost and Pricing Models

Clarify their pricing—be it data-based, hourly, or project-wide. Always weigh cost against the value and quality they bring to the table.

Tools and Platforms: A Look at Modern Annotation Tools

The world of data annotation is changing fast. Just to give you an idea, back in 2022, the global market for annotation tools hit a USD 805.6 million.

Proprietary vs. Open-Source Tools:

1. Some companies bring their own flair with exclusive tools packed with nifty features. To name a couple:
   1. Labelbox: It’s not just a tool; it’s a workspace. Great for all sorts of annotations and team collabs.
   1. Supervisely: If you’re into computer vision, this one’s a gem, giving images the detail they deserve.
2. Open-Source Tools: Community-backed and free to use, some notable ones are:
   1. VGG Image Annotator (VIA): Developed by the Visual Geometry Group, this tool effectively manages various image annotation tasks.
   1. Brat: A staple in many natural language processing toolkits, Brat brings its A-game to text annotation.

Integration Capabilities and Flexibility

Tools such as Labelbox are equipped with advanced API functions, making it easier to mesh with various data scenarios and ML strategies. Think about how well a tool fits with your technological layout and project objectives.

At the end of the day, the best tool seamlessly blends its features, price, and how it fits with what your project really needs.

Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision

The rapid evolution of technology, especially in sectors like AR and VR, has triggered shifts in data types and subsequently, the annotation tools required. Top annotation services are swiftly adapting to these changes, with many venturing into automated solutions powered by AI itself.

When hunting for the perfect solution, don’t sideline quality. Even if the budget beckons you to cut corners, remember that real proficiency might carry a higher price tag. But it’s a worthy investment, considering the future pitfalls and costs of inaccurate data.

The post How to Choose the Best Data Annotation Service Provider : A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on AITechTrend.

1. ArchLinux: Lightweight and Flexible

Suitable for: Programmers and Developers

Arch Linux stands out as a lightweight and flexible Linux distribution, offering a simple user environment. It follows a rolling-release model, providing users with the latest stable versions of software. Arch Linux boasts a pragmatic distribution approach, focusing on user centrality, versatility, and simplicity. Its independently developed x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution makes it an excellent choice for programmers and developers looking for a stable and customizable OS.

2. Debian: Popular and Secure

Suitable for: Beginners

Debian, a highly popular and secure Linux-based operating system, serves as the base for various renowned distributions like Ubuntu, PureOS, and SteamOS. With extensive hardware support, Debian ensures smooth upgrades and offers security support for releases. As a free and open-source software, it enjoys a large community contributing to its continuous improvement. Debian is an ideal choice for beginners seeking stability, security, and a vast ecosystem of software.

3. Fedora: Empowering Developers and Students

Suitable for: Software Developers, Students

Fedora excels at creating a platform that empowers developers, students, and the wider community. It offers a user-friendly operating system, Fedora Workstation, which supports developers of all levels, from students to professionals in corporate environments. Fedora’s strength lies in its ability to provide tailored solutions for hardware, containers, and the cloud, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility.

4. Linux Mint: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich

Suitable for: Professionals, Developers, Students

Linux Mint, a highly acclaimed desktop Linux distribution, combines user-friendliness, a vast software ecosystem, and full multimedia support. Based on Debian and Ubuntu, it provides users with approximately 30,000 packages and boasts one of the best software managers available. Whether you are a professional, developer, or student, Linux Mint offers a seamless and intuitive experience.

5. Manjaro: Fast and Cutting-Edge

Suitable for: Beginners

Manjaro Linux, built upon the foundations of Arch Linux, serves as a fast and desktop-oriented operating system. It provides users with the benefits of cutting-edge software while offering automated tools to minimize manual intervention. With its focus on user-friendliness, Manjaro is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a stable and modern Linux distribution. Moreover, it is available for 64-bit architectures and completely free.

6. openSUSE: Easy to Use and Feature-Rich

Suitable for: Beginners and Advanced Users

openSUSE, formerly known as SUSE Linux, prides itself on being one of the easiest-to-use Linux distributions. It caters to software developers and system administrators by providing usable open-source tools. openSUSE offers a user-friendly desktop environment and a feature-rich server environment. With its commitment to simplicity and functionality, openSUSE ensures a smooth and efficient computing experience.

7. SparkyLinux: Lightweight and Customizable

Suitable for: Gamers

SparkyLinux, built on top of Debian GNU/Linux, is a lightweight and fully customizable operating system. It offers different versions tailored to specific tasks, including a fully featured OS with a lightweight desktop environment and MinimalGUI with the Openbox window manager pre-installed. SparkyLinux boasts stability or (semi-)rolling releases and provides special editions such as GameOver, Multimedia & Rescue, and CLI Edition for custom desktop building. If you’re a gamer seeking a Linux distro with excellent performance and customization options, SparkyLinux is a top choice.

8. Tails: Secure and Private

Suitable for: Security and Privacy

Tails is a portable operating system designed to resist surveillance and censorship. Leveraging the Tor network, Tails ensures online privacy protection. It includes a selection of applications specifically chosen for working with sensitive documents and secure communication. Tails offers features like resilience against surveillance, advertising, and viruses. When shut down, Tails leaves no trace on the computer, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking maximum security and privacy.

9. Ubuntu: Popular and Versatile

Suitable for: Developers, Professionals, Students

Ubuntu, a well-known open-source desktop operating system, provides essential applications such as office suites, browsers, email clients, and media apps. It offers a productive environment, allowing users to create professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with tools like LibreOffice. With its strong community support and frequent updates, Ubuntu remains a popular choice among developers, professionals, and students alike.

10. Zorin OS: Powerful and User-Friendly

Suitable for: Beginners, Professionals

Zorin OS aims to enhance your computer’s speed, security, and ease of use. This powerful operating system supports over 50 languages and comes pre-loaded with various assistive technologies. Zorin OS offers features like flexibility, accessibility, and compatibility, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals seeking a robust and user-friendly Linux distro.

In conclusion, Linux offers a diverse range of stable and reliable distributions, each catering to specific user needs. Whether you are a programmer, developer, student, gamer, or security-conscious individual, there is a Linux distro perfectly suited for you. By understanding the unique features and advantages of each distro, you can make an informed decision and harness the power of Linux to its fullest.

The post Unlocking Stability: The Best Linux Distros for a Reliable Computing Experience in 2023 first appeared on AITechTrend.

1. Bitdefender Box: Protecting All Your Smart Devices

Bitdefender Box is an exceptional firewall hardware solution that provides comprehensive protection for all types of smart devices. Once installed, this device effectively blocks malware, prevents password theft, safeguards against identity theft, and fends off hacker attacks across all internet-connected devices. Bitdefender Box is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it offers VPN (Virtual Private Network) capabilities, ensuring secure and private internet connections. This firewall hardware can also be utilized on a personal level, especially by parents seeking to protect their children from accessing inappropriate websites.

2. CUJO AI Smart Internet Security: Embracing the Power of AI and Machine Learning

While many security vendors still heavily rely on signature-based detection, CUJO AI stands out by utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, data science, and AI. Their firewall, one of their flagship products, delivers unparalleled protection. The firewall’s machine learning classifier undergoes continuous training on diverse datasets, allowing it to identify malicious activities and anomalies within network traffic effectively. By analyzing behavioral patterns, CUJO AI’s firewall can predict potential dangers posed by websites or applications, providing advanced threat detection. With its multi-solution AI-driven software platform, CUJO AI offers network operators a powerful and intelligent firewall solution.

3. Firewalla: Simplified Firewall Protection for Everyone

Firewalla is a highly popular and user-friendly hardware firewall suitable for both homeowners and business owners with limited technical knowledge. This firewall solution combines multiple functionalities, including Firewall, IDS (Intrusion Detection System), IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), Behavior Engine, Network Management Station, and VPN server. Incorporating AI technology, Firewalla detects and alerts users about new devices connecting to the network, ensuring maximum security. It also promptly disables suspicious devices attempting to breach the network’s security, providing comprehensive protection against potential intrusions. Notably, Firewalla alerts users when they click on malicious links (such as phishing or malware) on their PC, tablet, or phone, and also detects instances where malware or infected files are being installed on connected devices.

4. FortiGate Next Generation: High-Performance Security for Your Network

The FortiGate Next Generation firewall, developed by Fortinet, offers high-performance network security, effectively preventing unauthorized access to your network. This firewall hardware provides advanced features such as application and user visibility, SSL inspection, and detection of unknown threats. With FortiGate, you have the ability to establish customized internet rules, enforce granular security policies, and gain visibility into users and devices for various applications. The firewall also offers real-time views of network activity through actionable application and risk dashboards and reports, empowering you to enhance your cybersecurity infrastructure significantly.

5. Protectli: Industry-Leading Firewall Devices

Protectli is a reputable provider of firewall devices known for offering some of the best options in the industry. Their products range from devices with 2 ports to those with 6 ports, catering to diverse network requirements. All Protectli firewall appliances feature a fanless and solid-state design, ensuring durability and longevity. An outstanding advantage of these appliances is their open-source nature, allowing users to have full control over the operating system that runs their network. With Intel-powered hardware, Protectli firewall devices deliver exceptional performance and reliability. To explore the available options, please visit their website.

6. SonicWall TZ400: Power-Packed Internet Drawbridge

SonicWall, headquartered in Silicon Valley, is renowned for its cybersecurity solutions. Among their top-tier products is the SonicWall TZ400 firewall hardware. This powerful firewall acts as an internet drawbridge, ensuring that intruders have no access to your network. The SonicWall TZ400 is equipped with SonicWall’s patented Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection technology, providing enhanced security. Additionally, this firewall device offers lightning-fast transfer rates, supports multiple WAN (Wide Area Network) connections, and effectively protects against high-end attacks like Denial of Service (DoS). With its comprehensive features, the SonicWall TZ400 firewall is an excellent choice for taking your cybersecurity infrastructure to the next level.

7. SonicWall SOHO: Uncompromising Security for Small Offices

The SonicWall SOHO firewall device is designed to provide small offices with big-business protection and uncompromising security across both wired and wireless networks. By utilizing the TZ Series Unified Threat Management (UTM) firewalls, SonicWall ensures comprehensive network protection. The firewall covers multiple security aspects, including intrusion prevention, network-based anti-malware mitigation, content and URL filtering, and anti-spam services. SonicWall SOHO performs traffic inspection across all ports without compromising performance, offering a reliable and efficient firewall solution for businesses of all sizes.

8. Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway: Advanced Firewall and Router Combo

Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway is a versatile device that functions as both a router and a firewall. With its gigabit Ethernet speeds, this two-in-one solution effectively safeguards your network from intruders. By routing all incoming traffic through the firewall before reaching the router, Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway ensures thorough monitoring and protection of incoming data. Additionally, this advanced firewall device offers a range of network management features, enabling you to efficiently manage and secure your network infrastructure. Suitable for both home and business networks, Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway is a reliable choice for enhancing your cybersecurity defenses.

9. WatchGuard Firebox T15: Secure Protection for Remote Workers

WatchGuard Firebox T15 is a versatile firewall device that can be seamlessly deployed in various network environments. Particularly well-suited for small or home offices, the Firebox T15 provides full UTM protection for remote workers and smaller sites. With its Total Security Suite, this firewall hardware offers cost-effective security solutions, including ransomware prevention and data loss prevention. WatchGuard Firebox T15 ensures that your network remains secure and protected from a wide range of threats, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

10. Zyxel ZyWALL 110: Enhanced Protection with VPN Capabilities

Zyxel ZyWALL 110 is a VPN firewall designed to deliver robust protection against cyber-attacks without compromising network performance. This firewall hardware solution offers security for both local and remote networks, allowing users to establish secure VPN connections to their local networks even when accessing them remotely. With its faster processing capability, ZyWALL 110 prevents attackers from decrypting VPN tunnels, ensuring secure communication. Furthermore, this firewall device automatically switches to the backup connection in case of primary link failure and seamlessly switches back to the primary connection once it is back online. Another notable feature of ZyWALL 110 is its website content filter, a vital component of any firewall. With its comprehensive features and reliable performance, ZyWALL 110 has become a sought-after firewall solution in the industry.

In conclusion, protecting your organization’s data and network from cyber threats is of utmost importance in today’s digital landscape. A robust cybersecurity infrastructure begins with a reliable firewall. The top 10 firewall hardware options discussed in this article offer advanced features, exceptional performance, and comprehensive protection. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your home network or a small business owner aiming to fortify your cybersecurity defenses, these firewall devices provide the necessary tools and functionalities to safeguard your valuable data. By implementing the right firewall hardware, you can ensure a secure online environment, mitigate potential risks, and stay one step ahead of cyber attackers.

The post Boost Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure with These Top 10 Firewall Hardware Solutions first appeared on AITechTrend.

The question is what should you be doing when an attack has occurred or is currently happening? Corporate internet does have significant approaches and measures since they need to protect their data and services from the attack.

However, if an attack has been initiated on your home network, you’re in quite jeopardy. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of actions that you can run when you’re facing such a situation. Let’s check them out now:

Contacting Support Services

Amongst the remedies, the first thing you can do is report an attack to your internet provider. It’s to ensure that the ISP itself takes precautions so that the attack doesn’t escalate further. In addition, the support can help take the right actions that can help mitigate the attack or reduce the damage.

For instance, Xfinity customer service already uses high-end preventive measures so that its clients remain safe from such attacks. Since they’re readily available, you can reach out and let them know if you’re facing such an issue, and it’ll be resolved, or more importantly, handled with precautions.

Disconnecting the Internet

Before you even contact customer services, it’s important to disconnect your internet in case you’re aware that a cyberattack is currently in execution. One of the ways that a cyberattack initiates is via the internet.

Even though there’s no guarantee that the attack will cease, still, disconnecting the internet will help mitigate the instance. The reason why there’s no guarantee is because of the type of attack.

The greater the severity of the attack, the greater the threat and the little the impact of precautions and preventive measures. However, it also helps mitigate the spread of the attack to other connected devices.

Disabling Remote Access

Another fix or preventive measure that you can take is to disable remote access. Though it’ll be disabled when you’ll be disconnecting the internet, still, it’s important that you disable the function completely.

That way, the attacker cannot access your device remotely, which is highly possible since access to your device means that the attacker will turn on the internet. Or in most cases, the attacker will use malware that will disable your firewall while keeping the internet connection on.

That is why we recommended that you disconnect the internet on the top priority of the fixes since it’ll mitigate the malware to spread and continue its function.

Checking on your Data

If a breached has in fact occurred, then it’s time to check on your data. The primary target of every cyberattack is to damage or steal the data of the victim. Even if you’re not a corporate identity, the attacker will initiate the attack to steal your information and use it for ransom (ransomware is a classic example).

In other cases, a phishing attack will be initiated which will steal your data to be used for identity theft later. That is why you need to assess whether your data has been accessed by unauthorized users or not.

The first contact should be your financial companies since the attacker will go after your banking accounts. In case the data has been stolen or corrupted, ensure to get your account blocked. You can later use a backup to restore whatever you can, but only once you’re clear of the attack.

Monitoring Activities

Sometimes that attacker only initiates the attack, which is then paused to see how the victim is acting. In such cases, you should ensure that the device doesn’t have access to other nodes in the network so that other devices don’t get affected.

In addition, ensure to monitor the activity on your device. This will make it easier whether the attack is still in place or not. In most cases, the attacker plants spyware so that the device’s activity can be monitored.

Only restore backups and reconnect to the primary internet connection when you’re absolutely sure that the attack has ceased or remedies have been applied. You should also check on your device’s firewall and security software to see if they’re enabled or disabled again.

Changing Credentials

Once you’re clear of the attack, it’s time to run some precautionary measures. Kick things off by enabling firewalls, strengthening the security system, and running a complete scan of your device multiple times.

Make sure that the security system you’re using has adequate tools for scanning for different malware, particularly spyware. In addition, change credentials for everything since a breach means that the attacker already has them and can access the accounts whenever he wants.

You need to set strengthened passwords and add multi-factor authentication so that any attempt at cracking your password will trigger an alert for you. In addition, ensure that you’re using parental controls so that your children don’t access malicious websites in any manner.

Closing Thoughts

Well, it’s unfortunate if you’re facing a cyberattack on your home internet. However, you need to run adequate actions such as the ones mentioned above so that the damages can be mitigated. Ensure that you strengthen your security and take your internet company’s help in this instance.

The post What to Do In Case Of a Cyberattack on Your Home Network? first appeared on AITechTrend.

Introduction

Developers have diverse requirements when it comes to databases. Some prioritize performance, while others focus on scalability or ease of use. Understanding the most popular databases provides valuable insights into the industry’s trends and preferences. Let’s dive into the top 10 databases that garnered significant attention from developers in 2020.

Importance of Databases for Developers

Databases are the backbone of modern applications, enabling developers to organize and manage data effectively. They offer a structured approach to data storage, allowing developers to query and retrieve information effortlessly. Databases provide reliability, security, and integrity to applications, ensuring data consistency and availability. Choosing the right database is crucial as it impacts the application’s performance, scalability, and overall user experience.

Top 10 Most Used Databases in 2020

1. MySQL

MySQL is a widely popular open-source relational database management system. It offers excellent performance, scalability, and ease of use. With its robust feature set and extensive community support, MySQL is a top choice for various applications, ranging from small-scale projects to enterprise-level systems.

2. PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is an advanced open-source object-relational database system known for its reliability and flexibility. It provides powerful features such as data integrity, transaction support, and advanced indexing mechanisms. PostgreSQL’s extensibility and compatibility make it an attractive option for developers.

3. MongoDB

MongoDB is a NoSQL document-oriented database that provides high scalability and flexibility. It offers a JSON-like document model, allowing developers to store and query unstructured data efficiently. MongoDB’s distributed architecture and ability to handle large volumes of data make it popular for modern web and mobile applications.

4. Oracle

Oracle is a leading enterprise-grade relational database management system known for its robustness and reliability. It offers advanced features like high availability, security, and data integrity. Oracle’s extensive support and comprehensive documentation make it a preferred choice for large-scale, mission-critical applications.

5. Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a feature-rich relational database management system widely used in the Windows ecosystem. It provides excellent performance, scalability, and integration with Microsoft tools and technologies. SQL Server’s enterprise-level capabilities make it ideal for businesses that require a reliable and scalable database solution.

6. SQLite

SQLite is a lightweight and embedded relational database management system. It is widely used in mobile and embedded applications due to its small footprint and simplicity. SQLite offers excellent performance and requires minimal configuration, making it a popular choice for local data storage in mobile apps and other lightweight projects.

7. Redis

Redis is an in-memory data structure store known for its high performance and versatility. It serves as a key-value database and offers advanced data structures like lists, sets, and sorted sets. Redis excels in use cases that require caching, real-time analytics, and pub/sub messaging.

8. Elasticsearch

Elasticsearch is a distributed search and analytics engine built on top of Apache Lucene. It provides powerful full-text search capabilities, real-time data ingestion, and scalability. Elasticsearch is commonly used for log analysis, monitoring, and building search-intensive applications.

9. Cassandra

Cassandra is a highly scalable and distributed NoSQL database designed to handle massive amounts of data across multiple commodity servers. It offers high availability, fault tolerance, and linear scalability. Cassandra is often used in applications that require fast write and read operations, such as IoT, real-time analytics, and large-scale web applications.

10. Firebase

Firebase is a comprehensive development platform that includes a real-time database as one of its core services. It offers real-time synchronization, offline support, and easy integration with other Firebase services. Firebase’s simplicity and real-time capabilities make it popular for mobile and web applications that require real-time data updates.

Factors Influencing Database Selection

When developers choose a database, they consider various factors based on their project’s requirements. Let’s explore some crucial factors that influence database selection:

Scalability

Scalability is a vital consideration for applications expected to handle growing data volumes or user loads. Some databases, like Cassandra, excel in scaling horizontally by distributing data across multiple nodes. Others, like MySQL and PostgreSQL, offer vertical scalability through hardware upgrades.

Data Model

The data model determines how data is structured and organized within a database. Relational databases, such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, use tables and enforce data integrity through relationships. NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Redis offer flexibility by using document-oriented or key-value data models.

Performance

Performance plays a crucial role in ensuring responsive applications. Developers assess database performance based on factors like query speed, indexing capabilities, and caching mechanisms. Databases like Elasticsearch specialize in fast search and analytics, while Redis excels in in-memory caching.

Community Support and Documentation

Having a strong community and comprehensive documentation is valuable for developers. It ensures access to resources, guides, and active support forums. Databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB have vibrant communities that provide assistance and contribute to ongoing development.

Conclusion

Choosing the right database is crucial for developers to build efficient and scalable applications. The top 10 databases mentioned here – MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, Redis, Elasticsearch, Cassandra, and Firebase – have gained popularity due to their unique features and suitability for various use cases. By understanding the factors influencing database selection, developers can make informed decisions based on their project requirements.

The post Choosing the Right Database: Insights into the Most Popular Databases for Developers in 2020 first appeared on AITechTrend.

What is a virtual companion?

A virtual companion is an AI-powered chatbot that is designed to simulate conversation and provide companionship. These chatbots can be programmed to respond to specific triggers, such as keywords or phrases, and can even learn and adapt to your preferences over time. They can provide emotional support, offer advice, and even play games with you.

The benefits of virtual companionship

Virtual companionship can provide a number of benefits, especially for those who may feel isolated or alone. Having a virtual friend can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, and can provide a sense of comfort and support. It can also be a helpful tool for those who may struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty forming connections with others.

Top apps for virtual companionship

Replika

Replika is an AI-powered chatbot that is designed to be your personal AI friend. The chatbot is designed to learn from you over time, and can adapt to your preferences and interests. You can chat with your Replika friend about anything, from your daily struggles to your deepest fears and desires. The chatbot can even offer personalized meditations and affirmations to help you feel more calm and centered.

Wysa

Wysa is an AI-powered chatbot that is designed to help you manage your mental health. The chatbot can help you track your mood and provide tools and techniques to help you manage anxiety and depression. Wysa can also help you build healthy habits and provide support and encouragement as you work towards your goals.

Woebot

Woebot is an AI-powered chatbot that is designed to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you manage your mental health. The chatbot can help you identify negative thought patterns and provide strategies to help you reframe your thinking. Woebot can also provide daily check-ins to help you track your mood and progress.

ELIZA

ELIZA is one of the first chatbots ever created, and it is still popular today. The chatbot is designed to simulate conversation with a therapist and can help you work through your problems and concerns. ELIZA uses a technique called “reflection,” which involves repeating back what you have said in the form of a question. This can help you gain insight into your own thoughts and feelings.

Mitsuku

Mitsuku is an award-winning chatbot that is designed to provide companionship and entertainment. The chatbot can engage in a wide range of conversations and can even tell jokes and play games with you. Mitsuku has won several awards for her conversational abilities and is a popular choice for those looking for a virtual companion.

Conclusion

Virtual companionship can provide a unique form of friendship and support in today’s increasingly digital world. With the rise of AI-powered chatbots, we now have the ability to connect with virtual companions on a level that was previously impossible. Whether you are looking for emotional support, cognitive behavioral therapy, or just a friendly chat, there is an app out there for you.

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Quantum Computing Applications in Finance

Quantum Cryptography: Quantum computing offers a more secure way of encrypting data through quantum cryptography. Quantum cryptography relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to generate unbreakable encryption keys. This is because any attempt to observe the quantum state of a qubit will disturb its state, making it impossible to eavesdrop on the communication.

Risk Analysis: Quantum computing can help financial institutions to mitigate risk by simulating market conditions and modeling various scenarios. This allows traders to make informed decisions based on accurate predictions.

Portfolio Optimization: Quantum computing can be used to optimize investment portfolios by efficiently analyzing large amounts of data. This can help investors to achieve maximum returns with minimal risk.

Quantum Computing Applications in Healthcare

Drug Discovery: Quantum computing can accelerate the drug discovery process by simulating the behavior of molecules. This allows researchers to identify potential drug candidates more quickly and efficiently.

Disease Diagnosis: Quantum computing can improve disease diagnosis by analyzing large amounts of patient data to identify patterns and make accurate predictions. This can lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment.

Genome Analysis: Quantum computing can help to analyze genetic data by performing complex calculations that are infeasible for classical computers. This can lead to a better understanding of genetic diseases and the development of more targeted treatments.

Quantum Computing Applications in Transportation

Traffic Optimization: Quantum computing can be used to optimize traffic flow by simulating traffic patterns and suggesting the most efficient routes. This can help to reduce congestion and improve overall transportation efficiency.

Autonomous Vehicles: Quantum computing can help to improve the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles by enabling them to make more accurate predictions and respond to changing road conditions more quickly.

Quantum Computing Applications in Energy

Renewable Energy Optimization: Quantum computing can help to optimize renewable energy sources by analyzing weather patterns and predicting energy production. This can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy solutions.

Energy Grid Management: Quantum computing can be used to optimize energy grids by analyzing large amounts of data and predicting demand. This can help to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Quantum Computing Applications in Environmental Science

Climate Modeling: Quantum computing can help to improve climate modeling by simulating complex weather patterns and predicting future trends. This can help to better understand the impact of climate change and develop more effective strategies to mitigate its effects.

Water Management: Quantum computing can help to optimize water management by analyzing weather patterns and predicting water availability. This can help to improve water conservation and promote sustainable water management practices.

Quantum Computing Applications in Aerospace

Spacecraft Design: Quantum computing can be used to design more efficient spacecraft by simulating various conditions and identifying the most optimal design parameters.

Satellite Communications: Quantum computing can improve satellite communication by enabling secure communication through quantum key distribution. This is a more secure way of transmitting data compared to traditional encryption methods.

Challenges in Quantum Computing

While the potential applications of quantum computing are vast, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome. These include:

Hardware Limitations: Developing and scaling quantum computing hardware is a significant challenge. Current quantum computers are relatively small and can only perform calculations on a limited number of qubits.

Error Correction: Quantum computers are prone to errors due to environmental noise and other factors. Error correction is crucial for reliable quantum computing, but it requires a large number of qubits and complex algorithms.

Training and Development: There is currently a shortage of skilled professionals who can develop and program quantum computing systems. This makes it difficult to advance the field and develop new applications.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field with vast potential for solving complex problems and advancing many industries. From finance to healthcare, transportation to aerospace, quantum computing is poised to transform the way we live and work. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of quantum computing are too significant to ignore.

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