Tech Reports
The Median Recovery Costs for 2 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Energy and Water, Quadruples to $3 Million in 1 Year, Sophos Survey Finds

Sophos released a sector survey report, “The State of Ransomware in Critical Infrastructure 2024,” which revealed that the median recovery costs for two critical infrastructure sectors, Energy and Water, quadrupled to $3 million over the past year. This is four times higher than the global cross-sector median. In addition, 49% of ransomware attacks against these two critical infrastructure sectors started with an exploited vulnerability.
Data for the State of Ransomware in Critical Infrastructure 2024 report comes from 275 respondents at energy, oil and gas, and utilities organizations, which fall under the Energy and Water sectors of CISA’s 16 defined critical infrastructure sectors. The results for this sector survey report are part of a broader, vendor-agnostic survey of 5,000 cybersecurity/IT leaders conducted between January and February 2024 across 14 countries and 15 industry sectors.
“Criminals focus where they can cause the most pain and disruption so the public will demand quick resolutions, and they hope, ransom payments to restore services more quickly. This makes utilities prime targets for ransomware attacks. Because of the essential functions they provide, modern society demands they recover quickly and with minimal disruption,” said Chester Wisniewski, global Field CTO.
“Unfortunately, public utilities are not only attractive targets but vulnerable to attacks on many fronts, including the requirement for high availability and safety, as well as an engineering mindset focused on physical security. There’s a preponderance of older technologies configured to enable remote management without modern security controls like encryption and multifactor authentication. Like hospitals and schools these utilities are frequently operating with minimal staffing and without the IT staffing required to stay on top of patching, the latest security vulnerabilities and the monitoring required for early detection and response.”
On top of growing recovery costs, the median ransom payment for organizations in these two sectors jumped to more than $2.5 million in 2024—$500,0000 higher than the global cross-sector median. The Energy and Water sectors also reported the second highest rate of ransomware attacks. Overall, 67% of the organizations in these sectors reported being hit by ransomware in 2024, in comparison to the global, cross-sector average of 59%.
Other findings from the report include:
- • The energy and water sectors reported increasingly longer recovery times. Only 20% of organizations hit by ransomware were able to recover within a week or less in 2024, compared to 41% in 2023 and 50% in 2022. Fifty-five percent took more than a month to recover, up from 36% in 2023. In comparison, across all sectors, only 35% of companies took more than a month to recover
- • These two critical infrastructure sectors reported the highest rate of backup compromise (79%) and the third highest rate of successful encryption (80%) when compared to the other industries surveyed
“This once again shows that paying ransom payments almost always works against our best interests. An increasing number (61%) paid the ransom as part of their recovery, yet the amount time it took to recover was extended. Not only do these high rates and amounts of ransoms encourage more attacks on the sector, but they are not achieving the claimed goal of shorter recovery times,” said Wisniewski.
“These utilities must recognize they are being targeted and take proactive action to monitor their exposure of remote access and network devices for vulnerabilities and ensure they have 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities to minimize outages and shorten recovery times. Incident response plans should be planned in advance, the same as for fires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, and be rehearsed on a regular schedule.”
Tech News
Vertiv Great Lakes acquisition strengthens AI-ready racks

Vertiv completed its purchase of Great Lakes Data Racks & Cabinets. The Vertiv Great Lakes acquisition—about $200 million—adds capacity in racks, cabinets, and integrated white-space solutions for high-density builds. Consequently, operators gain faster paths from design to deployment. In short, the deal targets speed where it matters most.
Why the Vertiv Great Lakes acquisition matters now
AI workloads raise power density and compress timelines. Therefore, pre-engineered rack systems carry outsized value. They bundle power, cooling, airflow, and cable management in one lineup. As a result, teams cut design friction and avoid on-site improvisation. Moreover, configure-at-speed programs help standardize projects. That consistency protects budgets and schedules.
What Great Lakes brings to the portfolio
Great Lakes began in 1985 in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, and builds both standard and custom racks. The company also delivers integrated and seismic cabinets. Additionally, it offers enhanced cable access and management options. Hence, operators can fit retrofit and greenfield sites without losing airflow discipline. Local seismic rules are easier to meet as well. In practice, that flexibility reduces late changes and rework.
From factory integration to field speed
Vertiv plans to lean on factory work to shorten installs. Specifically, teams mount PDUs, cable bars, airflow panels, and accessories in advance. Next, lineups ship as pre-engineered bundles. Consequently, sites spend less time assembling parts. Commissioning becomes simpler and more predictable. Furthermore, pre-wired cabinets cut risk during the crunch. Technicians follow clear, repeatable steps; therefore, quality improves while timelines tighten.
Racks tuned for high density—and reality
High-density white space needs more than steel frames. It demands clean cable pathways and predictable airflow, plus space for power distribution that doesn’t block exhaust. Here, Great Lakes complements Vertiv’s power and thermal stack. Together, the portfolios support hot/cold-aisle discipline, containment strategies, and liquid-ready planning. As a result, AI rows remain maintainable at scale, and day-2 operations benefit as much as day-1 builds.
The strategy behind the deal
Vertiv signaled disciplined economics and synergy from cross-selling and shared engineering. In practical terms, customers should see tighter rack-plus-power/cooling bundles. They should also see clearer roadmaps for high-density and edge sites. Importantly, the model favors speed: faster catalog choices lead to faster orders, which translate into earlier capacity. Ultimately, project certainty improves.
What customers should watch for
First, expect broader catalog options for integrated cabinets. Next, look for pre-configured lineups aligned to common AI and HPC footprints. Additionally, watch for simpler factory-acceptance testing before shipment. That step catches issues early and builds confidence in repeatable outcomes. Over time, combined roadmaps will refine cabinet access, cable fingers, and airflow parts. Liquid-cooling retrofits should also get easier. Meanwhile, Vertiv’s global service network supports deployment and ongoing care, so multi-region rollouts stay coordinated.
Use cases across core, colo, and edge
Core sites want density and uniformity. Colocation halls prioritize speed and predictable change control. Edge locations need compact, resilient options. The Vertiv Great Lakes acquisition aims to serve all three. Pre-engineered cabinets let operators scale lineups without redesign. Seismic choices ensure regional-code compliance. Meanwhile, cleaner cable access reduces human error. Therefore, uptime improves while labor strain drops.
What it means for project teams
Designers gain clearer building blocks. Project managers lock down tighter schedules. Installers follow repeatable steps and face fewer surprises on site. Moreover, finance leaders see steadier budgets. Because parts arrive integrated, last-minute extras rarely appear. And since documentation matches the bundle, audits move faster. In turn, stakeholders align around a single, proven pattern.
Bottom line
The Vertiv Great Lakes acquisition focuses on deployment velocity. Pre-engineered racks and integrated cabinets remove friction; factory integration removes guesswork. Consequently, AI and high-density projects ramp sooner and run cleaner. With white-space complexity rising, that combination proves decisive—turning design intent into installed reality on time and at scale.
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Tech News
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra review by DXOMARK

Dubai, UAE – The Pura 80 Ultra achieves a new benchmark with a total DXOMARK rating of 175. As a result, Huawei now leads global rankings for photo, video, and telephoto performance. Therefore, creators and professionals gain a pocket tool that rivals pro gear.
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra review by DXOMARK Record 175
The phone posts a 180 Photo Score and a 166 Video Score. In addition, its telephoto system ranks first. Consequently, users can rely on detailed images in challenging lighting conditions and stable footage while on the move. Moreover, the device keeps the color natural while preserving the texture and shadow.
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Camera Capabilities
At the core, a 1‑inch Ultra Lighting HDR sensor captures clean detail in bright sun and dim rooms. Furthermore, a variable aperture balances portraits and group shots without fiddly settings. Most importantly, a Switchable Dual Telephoto (3.7x and 9.4x) maintains sharpness at distance. For example, city skylines and stage shots hold crisp edges with minimal noise. Meanwhile, close‑ups keep fine textures that usually blur on phones.
Video and Design, With AI
For video, advanced stabilisation and HDR mapping reduce shake and blown highlights. Therefore, creators can film concerts, travel clips, or interviews with confidence, knowing every frame stays smooth and balanced. In addition, upgraded low-light video modes preserve rich color and texture even under city lights or dim indoor settings. Moreover, the audio system captures clear sound with minimal distortion, ensuring voices and ambient tones remain natural.
Meanwhile, durability and design continue to set the device apart. Kunlun Glass improves drop resistance by up to 25x, giving users extra peace of mind in daily use. Furthermore, the sleek Prestige Gold and Prestige Black finishes combine elegance with practicality, making the phone both stylish and robust. Beyond hardware, AI Smart Controls simplify everyday tasks. For example, users can switch apps with gestures, share files instantly across devices, or present slides with a single tap. As a result, the device feels less like a phone and more like a creative hub designed for modern professionals.
Why It Matters for Creators
In practice, the phone shortens the gap between capture and delivery. For example, social teams can shoot, edit, and publish on the same device. Consequently, field reporters and influencers move faster with fewer accessories. In short, the Pura 80 Ultra DXOMARK result confirms a new standard for mobile imaging.
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Tech News
Huawei and Eros Group Launch AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard


Dubai, UAE – Huawei, in partnership with Eros Group, has introduced the AI-powered conference whiteboard IdeaHub, redefining how workplaces collaborate in the digital age. The launch highlights Huawei’s growing role in the UAE’s digital transformation, offering businesses tools that are smarter, more interactive, and designed for productivity.
Smarter Meetings with Huawei IdeaHub
The new AI-powered conference whiteboard transforms traditional meetings into seamless digital experiences. With intelligent handwriting recognition, advanced video conferencing, and AI-enhanced voice clarity, the device creates smoother communication. In addition, wireless connectivity allows multiple users to share content instantly, encouraging collaboration across teams both in-person and remotely.
Designed for Modern Workplaces
The IdeaHub is designed for flexible office setups, from large conference rooms to hybrid work environments. Moreover, its interactive features—such as multi-user touch and split-screen collaboration—make brainstorming sessions more engaging and efficient. Businesses can rely on their AI-driven tools to improve decision-making while reducing wasted meeting time.
Partnership with Eros Group
Through its partnership with Huawei, Eros Group will distribute the IdeaHub across the UAE. This collaboration ensures that local businesses gain access to cutting-edge solutions backed by reliable service and support. Furthermore, the partnership reflects the UAE’s vision of equipping companies with digital tools that enable innovation and sustainable growth.
A Step Toward Greener, Smarter Workspaces
Beyond productivity, the Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard supports greener business practices. By digitizing brainstorming sessions, eliminating paper waste, and reducing reliance on printed material, it aligns with sustainability goals embraced by organizations in the UAE. Additionally, the device’s power-efficient design reduces energy consumption, which contributes to eco-conscious operations.
Meeting the Needs of a Hybrid Workforce
As hybrid work models become the norm, the demand for smarter and more flexible collaboration tools grows rapidly. The Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard directly addresses this trend by enabling seamless interaction between in-office staff and remote participants.
Notably, the platform ensures equal engagement for all attendees through interactive content sharing, synchronized annotations, and real-time feedback tools. Consequently, businesses can maintain continuity, build stronger connections, and empower teams regardless of location.
Reinforcing the UAE’s Digital Transformation Vision
The launch of the Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard with Eros Group underscores the UAE’s commitment to digital-first innovation. By introducing intelligent workplace solutions, the partnership contributes to the nation’s broader strategy of fostering smart cities, sustainable businesses, and globally competitive enterprises.
Huawei and Eros Group share the vision of positioning the UAE at the forefront of technological advancement in the Middle East. Together, they are delivering solutions that merge AI innovation with local market expertise.
Conclusion
The Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard, launched in collaboration with Eros Group, is more than a device—it is a symbol of how AI can enhance productivity, collaboration, and sustainability in the workplace. With advanced features designed for modern hybrid environments, it sets a new benchmark for intelligent collaboration tools in the UAE.
As organizations continue to evolve, the demand for smarter, faster, and greener solutions will only grow. Huawei and Eros Group are well-positioned to meet this demand, equipping businesses with the technology they need to thrive in an interconnected world.
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