US Government-Funded Android Phones Come With Pre-Installed Malware

CPO Magazine | January 23, 2020

United States government-funded Android phones contain unremovable pre-installed malware, according to a recent report by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes. The report, which was first published by Malwarebytes researcher Nathan Collier on January 9, alleges that the low-end Android phone UMX U686CL contains two independent pieces of pre-installed malware. According to Collier, this malware leaves the Android phone vulnerable to invasive advertising, as well to the auto-installation of apps without the user’s permission.

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GOVERNMENT FINANCE

OneTrust Introduces AI Governance Solution to Inventory, Assess, and Monitor AI Risk

PR Newswire | May 18, 2023

OneTrust, the market-defining leader for trust intelligence, introduces OneTrust Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, a comprehensive solution designed to help organizations inventory, assess, and monitor the wide range of risks associated with AI. As organizations use AI and machine learning (ML) to process large amounts of data and drive innovation, AI Governance provides visibility and control over data used and risks generated by AI models. According to Gartner, "Success and scaling of AI projects require leaders to address strategies and methods related to fairness, transparency, explainability, reliability, privacy, and security."1 As the use of AI and machine learning becomes more widespread, it is essential for organizations to address the privacy, ethical, and societal risks associated with these technologies. With AI Governance, organizations can embed data ethics, privacy, and security practices by default into the use of AI across their business. "Responsible AI is not an option, but a necessity in today's business landscape," said Blake Brannon, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at OneTrust. "AI Governance provides a comprehensive solution for managing the unique risks associated with AI, including privacy, ethical, compliance, and operational risks. Using our product, organizations can automate record keeping and risk management, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in their AI systems. By implementing responsible AI practices, companies can build trust with customers, regulators, and society at large, and position their business for success in the AI-driven future." With AI Governance, compliance teams and data scientists can better understand data use and classification, evaluate the risks, and demonstrate compliance with emerging global requirements to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly: Inventory: Organizations can centrally view and manage AI projects, models, and data sets both internally developed and sourced from third parties. AI Governance establishes relationships across data sets and AI models to trace the path of data from its origin. Assess risk: Users can assess AI projects against global laws and frameworks, including the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF), OECD AI Principles, and more. AI Governance, along with OneTrust Data Discovery & Governance, connects to structured and unstructured sources of data to automatically discover and classify sensitive and personal data that may drive algorithmic bias or privacy risk. Regulatory intelligence helps automate compliance workflows and risk management, and automatically generate required control mitigations and compliance documentation such as conformity assessments. Monitor: AI Governance integrates with existing model registries and MLOps tooling to detect AI model use and changes, and sync with a centralized inventory. Teams can continually evaluate models and training data for drift, bias, fairness, accuracy, and quality with in-app alerts. Only OneTrust provides the powerful combination of privacy and risk management solutions, built-in regulatory guidance, data discovery and classification, and AI risk management framework templates to manage the unique and broad-reaching risks posed by AI systems. The solution leverages OneTrust's deep experience in data privacy and governance, and robust tools for managing risk and record keeping for audit, compliance, and proactive trust management. OneTrust AI Governance will be available to select, qualifying customers through the AI Governance Early Access Program (EAP). This program offers an opportunity to get an early look at the solution and provide feedback to shape its development. About OneTrust OneTrust is the trust intelligence cloud platform organizations use to transform trust from an abstract concept into a measurable competitive advantage. Organizations globally use OneTrust to enable the responsible use of data while protecting the privacy rights of individuals, implement and report on their cyber security program, make their social impact goals a reality, and create a speak up culture of trust. Over 14,000 customers use OneTrust's technology, including half of the Global 2,000. OneTrust currently ranks #24 on the Forbes Cloud 100 list of top private cloud companies in the world and employs over 2,000 people in regions across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Actsoft, Inc. Receives StateRAMP Authorization

Businesswire | April 27, 2023

Actsoft, Inc., a leader in workforce management solutions, is proud to announce that its software platform has completed each stage of the StateRAMP process and obtained StateRAMP authorization. StateRAMP is a state-distinctive version of the federal government's FedRAMP program, which establishes standardized security criteria for cloud-based services used by government agencies. Actsoft offers an all-inclusive workforce management platform designed to help agencies achieve their missions by streamlining outdated operational processes, improving office-to-field communication, and enhancing employee productivity. The platform includes multiple digital tools within a single solution that make it easier for administrators and managers to coordinate their field employees. With StateRAMP authorization, government agencies and leaders can now trust that Actsoft’s applications meet the highest caliber of security and compliance, keeping their sensitive and valuable data even more secure. "We are elated to receive StateRAMP authorization, as it demonstrates our commitment to providing the public sector with the most secure and effective workforce management solution available," said Actsoft, Inc. CEO Tom Mitchell. "Using the power of our platform, government agencies can digitize their operations, boost productivity, and reduce costs, all while meeting the strictest cybersecurity standards.” StateRAMP authorization is a rigorous process that involves substantial testing and assessments to verify that a cloud-based service meets the strict security criteria mandated by state and local regulations. By achieving this status, Actsoft has fulfilled its vision of delivering elite workforce management technology that exceeds the needs of government agencies. The Actsoft software application offers a wide range of features, including digital forms, mobile timekeeping, job dispatching/scheduling, intra-organizational communications, GPS tracking for employees, vehicles, and assets, and more. With StateRAMP authorization, government agencies can now leverage these advanced capabilities to exchange critical data insights in real-time, enhance cost-efficiency, and securely complete mission-critical initiatives. According to the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, the Government spends $38.7 Billion per year on Paper Based processes. Actsoft’s Wireless Forms can automate and digitize such processes and save taxpayers money. About Actsoft, Inc. Founded in 1996, Actsoft, Inc. is a leading provider of workforce management solutions and headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Actsoft, Inc.’s technology helps companies manage their field- and office-based workforce by automating manual processes, digitizing workflows, and optimizing communications. Their workforce management platform includes key features such as job dispatching, mobile timekeeping, digital forms, GPS tracking and geo-fencing of employees, vehicles, and assets. Actsoft, Inc. works with over 8,000 customers and over 138,000 users who rely on the company daily to help them run more productive and profitable operations. The company is also proud to be the exclusive provider of a white-labeled workforce management app for carriers around the globe. Actsoft, Inc. is the recipient of multiple Frost & Sullivan awards and was voted one of Tampa Bay's Best Places to Work.

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Surfacide® Awarded U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Contract

Surfacide | March 20, 2023

Surfacide, an industry leader in UV-C low-level disinfection technology, announced today that it has been awarded a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). This contract will allow government customers and federal agencies to easily procure Surfacide's Helios® UV-C disinfection systems for their healthcare facilities. As a GSA Schedule Contractor, Surfacide has met all the requirements to sell to the federal government, making the federal purchasing process faster and more cost-effective for government agencies. Government buyers will now be able to access Surfacide products through GSA Advantage!, the government's premier online shopping superstore. The Surfacide Helios system is the only patented, low-level UV-C disinfection solution to use a trio of light emitting 'robots' simultaneously, significantly reducing bacteria and virus on colonized surfaces. The Helios system provides UV-C energy to more exposed areas than single devices—boosting power, dosage and efficacy in a single cycle. The system can be easily moved and configured within different high-impact areas of a hospital or clinic such as patient rooms, patient bathrooms, ORs, outpatient/ambulatory surgery, burn units, labor & delivery, isolation rooms, etc. "As a GSA Schedule Contractor, we now have the stamp of approval stating that we've met all the requirements to sell to the federal government, giving us a huge benefit in the federal purchasing process," said Gunner Lyslo, CEO & Founder of Surfacide. "We're proud to have been awarded this GSA MAS contract and are excited to provide our innovative UV-C disinfection technology to government customers more efficiently." Surfacide is rapidly growing and has become widely adopted in the VA space. After seeing the benefits of Surfacide's scientifically-proven technology, more and more VA facilities are transitioning from single emitters to Surfacide's patented triple-emitter Helios System. About Surfacide Founded in 2010, Surfacide is a UV technology and infection solutions company producing scientifically proven, hospital-grade UV devices. Surfacide's award-winning Helios® System is the world's only patented, triple emitter 'robotic' UV light solution to rapidly reduce bioburden and pathogens. A trusted partner in infection prevention, Surfacide has been deployed in over 600 leading hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices, fire stations, prisons, police stations, commercial office spaces, hotels and public venues worldwide. Surfacide LLC is proud to be American-made and manufactured in Waukesha, WI.

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