A hacking group known for exploiting software vulnerabilities to conduct simultaneous attacks has claimed to have stolen large volumes of data from nearly 50 companies worldwide. Among the named firms are Shell, Philips, GE, and Fiserv. This information was published on the group's official website, according to a Reuters report.
The companies mentioned confirmed that they were targets of the attack or are investigating these claims. However, there is no independent confirmation regarding exactly what data was stolen or what volume of information was compromised. Reuters was also unable to independently verify the group's claims because the hackers did not respond to the agency's requests for comment.
A representative from one of the companies stated that, based on their comprehensive analysis so far, no signs of compromise of customer, banking, transactional, or personal data have been found. The company also reported no evidence of impact on its operational environment.
GE announced that it is aware of the claim and has initiated its cyber incident response protocols. A company representative stated: 'We have launched our cyber response protocols and are working to assess the potential issue.'
It is unclear how the hackers managed to gain access to these companies. One possible clue relates to vulnerabilities discovered in PTC's Windchill and FlexPLM software. These two platforms are used to support engineering and manufacturing processes.
Ransom-ISAC, a specialized group for ransomware and cyber threat intelligence sharing, issued a warning on July 22, indicating that the Cl0p group is exploiting vulnerabilities in these products. PTC, headquartered in Boston (USA), did not immediately respond to Reuters' inquiry. Nevertheless, the company posted several security advisories on its website starting June 18, recommending customers install a vulnerability patch and publishing details about an unidentified attacker using their products.
Brandon Parsons, Threat Intelligence Manager at Ascent Solutions and author of the Ransom-ISAC warning, noted that some companies began receiving notifications from Cl0p on July 19 or 20. According to him, the group does not typically target specific companies. Instead, it searches for vulnerabilities in widely used software and attempts to exploit them across various organizations.
Parsons characterized the group members as 'data extortion professionals.' He emphasized: 'They are not targeting a specific company; they are targeting a specific zero-day vulnerability and pursuing it.' The term zero-day (or day-zero) refers to vulnerabilities that are either unknown or for which software vendors have not yet released patches. This strategy allows the same group to leverage a flaw present in different organizations, potentially gaining access to large amounts of data within a single campaign.
At the celebration of the 80th Independence Day on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on technology and innovation as the basis for India's growth, calling for the country to become a leader in emerging technologies and announcing an artificial intelligence training program for ten million young people over the next year.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi noted that new horizons are rapidly opening up in areas such as quantum computing, space, robotics, data centers, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for the country to lead in the field of technology and innovation.
As part of his presentation of the seven-point 'Viksit Bharat' concept, the Prime Minister defined technology and innovation as the third 'shakti' of the 'Sapta Dhara' vision, noting that rapid progress in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space, robotics, and data centers is creating new opportunities.
He stated: 'Today the world is AI, quantum technologies, space, robotics, and data centers. New domains have opened up,' adding that these emerging technologies also present fresh challenges for the country.
Modi emphasized that India must transform into a hub of innovation. He recalled that India has already demonstrated its capabilities in UPI and digital public infrastructure, and now it needs to establish itself as a force in 'digital public technologies.'
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of India leading in next-generation communication technologies, stating that the goal should be the dissemination of Made-in-India 6G technology across all corners of the country.
Placing a strong emphasis on preparing India's youth for an AI-driven economy, Modi announced a massive scaling up of training programs. He stated: 'Over the next year, we will work to provide AI skills training to ten million young people so that the youth of India can lead in the AI era.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday a plan to train ten million young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills over the next year. This initiative underscores the priority of youth training within the government's drive to build a developed India.
Speaking at the Independence Day celebration from the Red Fort, Modi stated: 'We have decided that next year we will train 10 million young people in AI skills so that our youth can become leaders in the field of AI.'
The scale of the proposed program represents a significant expansion of existing government efforts to upskill in AI. According to a parliamentary reply, as of June 30, 53,449 candidates registered for AI-related positions under the PMKVY 4.0 program, of which only 25,466 received certificates. The Ministry of Skill Development informed Lok Sabha that the government has not yet conducted a specific assessment of AI skill demand or shortage of trained workers.
Modi noted that the youth will be the primary beneficiaries of initiatives aimed at achieving the Viksit Bharat goal and called for making youth the center of the development agenda. He mentioned initiatives such as Startup India, Skill India, the opening of the space sector, Khelo India, and the National Education Policy, which have created new opportunities for the youth. Furthermore, he reported that the growth of sectors like bioeconomy and electric vehicles has opened new avenues for employment.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the expansion of the aviation sector, including new routes and airports, which creates a need for skilled manpower in areas such as aircraft maintenance and overhaul.
Regarding sports, Modi stated that opportunities extend beyond just being an athlete; Khelo India games, university and winter games, sports infrastructure, coaching, sports medicine, and sports nutrition open up new employment avenues. He also announced a nationwide talent search among children aged five to fifteen from villages, towns, and schools. The goal of this program is to identify sporting abilities and provide specialized training to enhance India's competitiveness and participation in the 2036 Olympics.
Additionally, Modi highlighted the expansion of social security coverage, noting that the number of covered people has increased from 25 crore to 100 crore over the last decade. These announcements align with the government's efforts to harmonize skilling and employment policies with developing sectors such as AI, technology, green mobility, aviation, and sports, while expanding opportunities for youth beyond traditional career paths.
Nurmirza Toshmamatov, son of Tozhimirza, defended his dissertation for a PhD degree in technical sciences.
The topic of his dissertation research was 'Increasing the energy efficiency of the tomato processing process using an electrical technology method.'
