Black Ops 6 and Warzone's Season 2 update is coming soon for Call of Duty fans as Activision snuck in a mention into its latest patch notes here's when it launchesTech12:02, 10 Jan 2025Season 1 was packed, so here's hoping for more of the same(Image: Activision)While we think Call of Duty player counts dropping might not be too much of a concern for Activision, the long-awaited Season 2 update has finally been given a release date.While we expected the update to arrive at some point this month given Season 1 has been rumbling on for a while, we weren't quite expecting Activision to bury the date in its latest patch notes piece.Nonetheless, now we know when we'll get our next taste of fresh Call of Duty content for Black Ops 6, and the date the Squid Games collaboration will likely finish.Call of Duty Black Ops 6 is the best CoD in years(Image: Activision)In the latest January 9 patch notes, Activision makes its first mention of Season 2 in a section focused on 'Stability'."Sometimes bugs appear fixed in testing but turn out to still be an issue in the live game after the patch goes out. This sucks for everyone involved, and it can lead to inaccurate patch notes, which we never want," the post explains."The Vermin double-attack bug is one of these, and like the Terminus speedrun fix, the proper solution for it unfortunately cant be implemented as quickly as some of the other items listed above. Look for both of those fixes when Season 02 launches on Jan. 28."So, the bad news is that some bugs will persist until Season 2, but the good news is we're just a couple of weeks from the update.As for what will be included, it's hard to say until Activision says more. There's a good chance, however, it'll follow the same template that's been around since Modern Warfare 2019's release.That means Black Ops 6 players can expect new maps, weapons, skins, and limited-time modes, all bundled together. Warzone players can look forward to much of the same, and then a few weeks later, we'd hope for a 'Reloaded' update with additional things added.It's a cadence that's worked well for the series in recent years, but we'll have the full Season 2 roadmap as soon as it's revealed.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

GTA 6 fans are still braced for a delay, but we now know when we'll likely find out for sure as Take-Two books in its earnings call will we be looking at a 2025 release?Tech11:51, 10 Jan 2025GTA 6 is finally getting closer(Image: Rockstar Games)GTA 6 fans have been speculating about when we'll see the game's second trailer, but video aside, we're still not entirely sure when the game will launch.Likely to be the biggest game ever and expected to pull in billions of dollars when it does launch, there have been suggestions it'll slip to 2026 but one analyst is convinced it'll hit its late 2025 window.Now, with Take-Two (Rockstar's parent company) announcing its earnings call, we know when we'll find out about any potential delay.As posted on the GTA 6 subreddit (which has 1.2 million members, by the way, despite the game not being out yet), the next Take-Two Interactive earnings conference call is expected on February 6.It's likely to be the most 'hotly anticipated' earnings call (if that really is a thing), and could be the first chance we get to hear about an updated release timeline for the game.It's worth stressing that, while the call may insist that GTA 6 is still on track for 2025, we're still early in the year and delays could happen as we approach its 'Fall 2025' release period.Given Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has hardly shied away from building hype for the title, it's also possible he'll be particularly chatty about it again. He's already described it as "extraordinary", and has promised Rockstar will "deliver something phenomenal".One question fans have is whether the earnings report could coincide with a fresh trailer, particularly to soften the blow of a potential delay.Rockstar revealed the first GTA 6 trailer in December 2023, meaning we've gone 13 months without a peek at the game, breaking a surprising record for the studio.Given we've had leaks from a voice actor and even a 'janitor', here's hoping it won't be long until we hear about the project or see it for ourselves.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

Is Red Dead Redemption 2 gunning for the Switch 2? (Take-Two Interactive)Bandai Namco, EA and Bethesda are among the publishers who have games planned for Nintendos next console, according to a new leak.Theres been much speculation around the games Nintendo has planned for its follow-up to the Switch, but the systems success might hinge just as much on its third party support.The Switchs launch line-up was very limited, beyond Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, with Ubisofts Just Dance 2017, Skylanders: Imaginators from Activision, and Konamis Super Bomberman R being the key third party titles.If game publishers were hesitant to support the original Switch, following the failure of the Wii U, the Switch 2 looks to be a very different story especially given a new leak which appears to list several companies that have games planned for the system.The leak stems from French retailer Fnac, which has several pre-made product pages listed on its website. After online sleuths discovered pages alluding to a new Nintendo console and various bundles, other pages have been found that are related to third party publishers.As listed on Reddit, there are pre-made listings referring to publishers EA, Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Take-Two, and Warner Bros. There are multiple listings for each publisher too, which suggests either various editions of one game or multiple titles from the same publisher.No games are mentioned by name so, as you would expect, this has prompted a guessing game in online circles. One X user, Bouboune0, has narrowed down what certain titles could be, based on similarities in the EAN barcode numbers, suggesting Tekken 8, FIFA (they presumably mean EA Sports FC), and Red Dead Redemption 1 or 2 (the sequel has already been rumoured as coming to Switch 2).These all sound perfectly possible, especially as the original Red Dead Redemption recently came to the Switch. Meanwhile, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 was released on Wii U and EA Sports FC 25 is already on the current Switch.If we were to throw in our own speculation, wed be very surprised if Elden Ring isnt on the way from Bandai Namco, Bethesda could be related to those reports of a Hi-Fi Rush port, while Square Enix might be planning to bring Final Fantasy 7 Remake which was originally a PlayStation 4 game to the new format.The Warner Bros. listing, meanwhile, might relate to a previous leak hinting at Gotham Knights. There are prices listed too (79.99), but its very likely these are just placeholders.While theres a chance this retailer has simply been overzealous in its preparation, its very likely the Switch 2 will have considerable third party support at launch. considering how successful the original console has been.As for ports of existing games, reliable leaker John Harker has said theres a movement to get scaled [Xbox] Series S versions on the Switch 2. This would track with a recent report which estimated the consoles power would be equivalent to a base PlayStation 4, but that it will be able to run Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 games, albeit not quite as well.Nintendo has not confirmed anything about the Switch 2, aside from it being backwards compatible. The company did recently acknowledge leaks around the console, with many insiders expecting a reveal in late January.More TrendingAs for when the console could possibly launch, accessory manufacturer Genki recently touted April as the likely release window. The alpacas might not be quite as fluffy on Switch 2 (Bandai Namco)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Govees great indoor lighting effects have been among our favorites for a long time, as have their holiday-themed outdoor lighting shows that bring an awesome festive look to your home without you having to climb a ladder. So we werent surprised just excited when we found Govee also makes great wall lights for your porch or other exterior walls, and that theyre on sale for a limited time at Amazon for 41% off.See at AmazonA 2-pack of Govee Outdoor Wall Lights are just $100 right now, and theyre an amazingly versatile addition to your smart home setup. Whether youre using them as home safety enhancements by deploying their high-brightness white light, or using their vast range of DIY and pre-programmed colorful light shows to give your home a unique appeal, this 2-pack for just $100 is a great and economic home enhancement from a company with a proven track record.Let Alexa Do ItThe Govee Outdoor Wall Lights are easily controlled via Alexa, or Google voice assistants or other smart-home systems via the sold-separately Matter smart-home device. The Govee Home app is also an easy and effective way to power your outdoor lights on or off, change the light show, or set timers.Theyre also built for the outdoors, regardless of where you live. The Govee Outdoor Wall lights are housed in a rugged aluminum housing thats rated IP65 for water resistance, and theyre good go to in temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to 113 degrees.As such, these arent DIY-installed lights unless youre a licensed electrician. They need to be hardwired to a junction box, and installed on a flat surface with a waterproof sealant or caulk around the light to keep water away from the wiring. Best to call in a pro for this job.Beauty, Fun, and SafetyGovees reputation for unique, amazing, colorful light shows comes through loud and clear with these outdoor lights. With easy customization you can set them to virtually any color combination you like, and they even come with a Dynamic Music Mode thats perfect for patio parties or other outdoor entertaining. And when you add the Govee Outdoor Motion Sensor (sold separately), they become motion-activated for home security.A single Govee Outdoor Wall Light can be had for 33% off at Amazon during this limited-time deal just $60. But the big savings truly come with the 2-pack, where the discount leaps to 41% off and you get two of these great outdoor lights for just $100 a $70 markdown from the regular price.See at Amazon

Donald Trump has inspired laughs, jeers, disbelief, and outrage, by proposing that the U.S. buy Greenland. Nobody quite knows what to think of the president-elects proposal. Trump isnt the only person who wants to buy the Danish territory, however. Those in the technobro-iverse have previously expressed interest in purchasing the land mass and using it for their own dystopian purposes. I went to Greenland to try to buy it, Dryden Brown tweeted in November. Brown, 28, is the CEO of a company called Praxis, which is part of a broader movement known as the Network State. I recently wrote about the Network Staters, who say they want to create a host of privately funded, crypto-friendly countries all around the world. Zealots of this ideology believe theyre building the future, but critics of the movement see it as little more than a bizarre neo-colonial effort to lay claim to existing countries, re-write their legal frameworks, and extract all the wealth and resources from them. Brown actually did travel to Greenland last year to talk to local officials about potentially buying the territory. He was promptly met with ridicule. Greenlandic independence requires approval by the Danish parliament and a change of our constitution, politician Rasmus Jarlov recently tweeted. I can guarantee you that there is no way we would approve independence so that you could buy Greenland.Now, however, Brown is all jazzed up about Trumps proposal and seems to even be taking credit for it. Following a recent post from Trump on Truth Social about buying Greenland, the X account belonging to Praxis retweeted the post, commenting merely: According to plan. Not long afterward, Brown tweeted: Praxis would like to support Greenlands development by coordinating talent, companies, and capital to help secure the Arctic, extract critical resources, terraform the land with advanced technology to make it more habitable, and build a mythical city in the North.A key figure in the success of both the Network State movement and Donald Trump has been the shadowy tech billionaire Peter Thiel. Pronomos Capital, the venture capital firm that has been responsible for financing much of the movements special projects (including Praxis), is financially supported by Thiel. A number of Thiel associates are also deeply intertwined with the movement, including Joe Lonsdale, the co-founder of Thiels defense contractor Palantir, and Michael Gibson, the former vice president of grants at the Thiel Foundation, who currently serves as an advisor at Pronomos. At the same time, Thiel has also been a notable benefactor to Trumps political career, having helped bankroll his 2016 presidential campaign. Even more weirdly, it would appear that Trump has named a Thiel associate, Ken Howery, as ambassador to Denmark, which would put him in a prime position to influence a Greenland dealwere one to actually materialize. So whats going on here? Is the recent announcement by Trump somehow tied to Brown and his Thiel-backed project? Or is Praxis merely using Trumps proposal as an advertising opportunity for its own floundering utopia? As is ever the case with Trump, its a little difficult to separate the truth from the bullshit.One things for sure: Browns recent comments about Greenland really only reaffirm the idea that Network Staters are modern-day colonialists. In multiple posts, he speaks openly about the desire to exploit the territory for Western gain. In one recent missive, the young entrepreneur wrote: Its huge, but only has 50k ppl, rich with natural resources: uranium, gold, oil, and more, and is a critical defense asset in the Arctic. In other posts, Brown talked about using Greenland to practice terraforming so that when it comes time to build a society on Mars, America will be ready.

How old are the earbuds youre using? Are they a first generation pair of AirPods from when they first came out eight years ago? Theyre likely caked in earwax and can barely hold ac charge anymore. Why not kick off the new year with a treat for yourself? Get yourself the third generation Apple AirPods wireless earbuds because Amazon has them for up to 15% right now. For a limited time, you can save up to $25 on a pair of Apples signature Bluetooth headphones and toss away your old cruddy pair. The price is down from $169 to just $144 without AppleCare+ and down from $198 to $177 with AppleCare+.See at AmazonPersonalized Spatial AudioThe third generation Apple AirPods are designed to produce sound that suites your unique ear shape as well as update dynamically based on your head movement as youre going about your day. This creates and immersive listening experience that makes it feel like the audio from your AirPods is actually happening all around you. The AirPods even have support for Dolby Atmos which can produce even richer and more powerful sound for select songs, shows, and movies.The AirPods can be your best friend at the gym. They as well as the Lightning charging case are sweat and water resistant, with an IPX4 rating. This means they can withstand your high-intensity workout and even handle some rain if youre going for a long run on the roads or trails.Battery life is exceptional. The 3rd Gen AirPods can provide six hours of listening time straight through, lasting for most of the work day. Then when you roll in the portable charging case, they can last for a total listening time of up to 30 hours.The always-on Siri makes it easy to stay on top of everyday tasks. Just say Hey Siri, while wearing the AirPods and youll be able to start playing a particular song, make a phone call, get directions, or check your scheduleall without ever needing to take your phone out of your pocket or bag.Pairing with your other Apple devices is easy as can be. Just place your AirPods near your iPhone or iPad and tap to connect. You can seamlessly switch between the audio of your different Apple devices automatically.Right now, you can save up to 15% on the third generation Apple AirPods. With AppleCare+, they are down to $177. Without AppleCare+, you can get yourself a pair for just $144.See at Amazon

The French Pavilion Explores Concepts of Living With at the 2025 Venice Architecture BiennaleSave this picture!French Pavilion in Venice, 2014. Image l'Institut franais et le Ministre de la Culture et de la CommunicationThe French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs have announced that the project, "Vivre avec / Living with," developed by the agency Jakob+Macfarlane, formed by architects Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane, in collaboration with Martin Duplantier Architects and Eric Daniel Lacombe EDL, will represent France at the 2025 Venice Biennale. The project was selected through a two-phase competition, involving an initial pre-selection of five teams from forty-five applicants, followed by a detailed project presentation. The winning proposal focuses on architecture's capacity to address global challenges such as climate change, conflict, and instability, utilizing a combination of natural, human, and artificial intelligence."Vivre avec / Living with" will be a temporary, lightweight structure built from reused materials, situated within the grounds of the French Pavilion, which is undergoing renovation. Designed as an inclusive and interactive space, it will function as an exhibition venue, meeting point, and discussion forum, incorporating contributions from both French and international architectural schools. The project's design emphasizes porosity and coexistence with the existing pavilion restoration site, creating an open and collaborative environment.Save this picture!The collaborative team behind "Vivre avec / Living with" aims to bring together a diverse range of expertise: Jakob+Macfarlane will be on 's focus on repurposing existing structures, Eric Daniel Lacombe brings experience in building in vulnerable territories, and Martin Duplantier 's work in urban planning and landscape architecture further expands the project's scope. This collaborative effort highlights a multi-faceted approach to contemporary architectural challenges. Related Article The Trkiye Pavilion Announces Grounded Exhibition and Curators for the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale In this world of ongoing crises and disruptive changes, where conflicts multiply and the climate becomes increasingly unpredictable, where millions of people are displaced while others live in areas ever more exposed to risk, we must learn to live with a state of permanent instability. How can we keep inhabiting this planet by inventing new ways of life in response to these challenges? The curatorial team Save this picture!The 19th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia 2025, running from May 24th to November 23rd, 2025, will be curated by Carlo Ratti and centered around the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective". The French Pavilion, located in the Giardini, will be closed for renovations during the Biennale to improve visitor experience and energy efficiency, aligning with the Institut Franais's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by at least 25% by 2026 and 40% by 2030. Other countries have also announced their participation, including Argentina, proposing a project focused on the interconnectedness of architecture with diverse disciplines, and Belgium, announcing a pavilion curated by Bas Smets on viewing architecture through the lens of plant intelligence.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "The French Pavilion Explores Concepts of Living With at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale" 10 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025568/the-french-pavilion-explores-concepts-of-living-with-at-the-2025-venice-architecture-biennale&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

M Hotel / Ho Khue ArchitectsSave this picture! Hiroyuki OkiHotelsDa Nang, VietnamArchitects: Ho Khue ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:23500 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Hiroyuki OkiManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Sika, Daikin, YKK AP More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Located along the coast of Da Nang, M Hotel is a 25-story building with two basements, offering 199 guest rooms ranging from 35m to 100m. The project features a distinctive and stunning architectural design fronting one of the most gorgeous beaches on Earth.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!M Hotel is designed with the concept of a flowing stream on the surface of a rocky mountain. The fair-faced concrete material evokes the image of a sturdy structure, resembling a majestic mountain mass in nature.Meanwhile, the flowing stream is represented by winding, curving lines of greenery, seamlessly intertwined with the building. This approach creates a harmonious architectural ensemble, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings in the urban coastal landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The creation of a hotel with dense coverage of greenery conveys the message of connecting high-rise buildings with the coastal urban landscape. This is especially crucial today, as many high-rise structures are being constructed quickly with repetitive, rigid forms that fail to create a harmonious link with the coastline. This design paves the way for a "Green" trend in high-rise projects, reshaping investors' perspectives, while also incorporating rooftop gardens that provide guests with a fresh and captivating view while enjoying resort services.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The placement of green garden areas on the hotel's surface is intertwined with a variety of spaces for each room. The ocean-facing rooms are constructed with large glass walls to take advantage of the breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the west-facing rooms, which face the city center, are positioned further back to allow for green garden spaces. This not only offers a delightful green nook in the urban environment, but it also gives shade to the rooms and cooling to the entire environment inside. Of course, it also saved heating and cooling money.Save this picture!Save this picture!The remaining facades of the building, which adjoin neighboring hotels, limit the visibility of the rooms of the hotels next door. To address this, four large, well-planned sky gardens have been incorporated, offering unique scenic spaces for the rooms while optimizing public areas such as the elevator lobbies on each floor. Additionally, this solution introduces a striking vertical garden, making a bold impression from the first glance and enhancing the hotel's overall aesthetic appeal.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Da Nang, VietnamLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeHo Khue ArchitectsOfficeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 10, 2025Cite: "M Hotel / Ho Khue Architects" 10 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025447/m-hotel-ho-khue-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Batteries that power electric cars are tested rigorously in the lab and in real-world conditions before the electric vehicle hits the market. At Nissans technical center near Detroit, that process includes a steel chamber capable of reaching temperatures ranging from -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.Ansu Jammeh, an engineer on Nissans Zero Emissions team, donned a full-on snowsuit and heavy gloves to measure the Ariya EVs performance in extreme cold. At the start of a 24-hour cold soak (at -4F) in the chamber, the team parked an Ariya with a 17 percent battery charge. Left unplugged and bypassing its battery heater for this test, the EV came through with the same percentage and started right up.While some are skeptical about EVs as a good choice for drivers in cold weather states, Jammeh points out that the Ariya is all-wheel drive and its cabin heats up quickly. That said, sliding behind the wheel of an icy car that has been sitting in the equivalent of a giant air conditioning compressor for a full day is not pleasant. This part of Jammehs job may be no picnic, but he takes it in stride.My favorite animal is the penguin, he jokes.Extreme testingThe Ariya is available with a standard-range 66-kWh battery or 91-kWh long-range battery. Thats larger than the battery in Nissans original EV, the Leaf, which comes with a choice of a 40-kWh battery pack or a 62-kWh battery pack. The first Leaf owners were early adopters, and the Ariya emerged during a period of higher EV adoption overall. In either case, Leaf and Ariya owners seem to gravitate toward pushing their cars to the edge to see how they perform.For that reason, the engineering team has to stay a step or two ahead of its customers by testing the vehicles not just in simulation but in the real world. Vehicles spend time on the dyno, or dynamometer, a device that measures power and force. Theyre also subject to extreme weather testing like Nissan conducted with the new Kicks, chasing blizzards in Colorado to ensure the compact SUV could hold its own in the snow.The Ariya was soaked in the icy chamber for 24 hours, starting at 17 percent energy level.Images: NissanLooking at our social media channels, we see a lot of customers who are brave, Jammeh says. Theyre hypermilers, pushing their vehicles to the limits even in the extreme cold.Take, for instance, a British couple who drove a Nissan Ariya 30,000 kilometers (nearly 19,000 miles) from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole on the Arctic Ocean all the way to the South Pole in Antarctica. While they did outfit the EV with 39-inch snow tires and raised the suspension, the Ariya retained its original battery and powertrain.Nissans testing chamber is made of insulated steel, operated with a control pad on the outside. While it kind of sounds like a device a movie villain might use to detain a superhero, dont worry: the chamber has big double doors that push right open. It takes about an hour to go from ambient temperature to -40 F, and it can also replicate a solar load to evaluate how the paint, exterior, and performance components hold up.Recipe for success: preheatEV range isnt a simple, all-purpose measurement, Jammeh says. Weather, terrain, elevation, speed, traffic, cargo, passengers, and climate settings all make an impact.I do want to touch on one thing, he comments. Some customers think theyll lose energy in the winter, and thats not inherently true. Whats happening is that since the battery is cold, it takes more energy to get the same output. But the same energy is still there.Nissans EV allows drivers to precondition the battery for best results; owners can even set a timer for it to start at the same time so they can climb into a cozy car. The ideal scenario is for the EV to start preconditioning inside a garage while its still plugged in, so its using power from the grid and not the vehicles battery.The Department of Energy agrees with preconditioning. All vehiclesEVs includedperform best in cold weather when theyre warmed up first. [Preconditioning] is best executed while the car is still charging to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged and the cabin is sufficiently warmed to optimize performance.More heat means better electron flow, and better electron flow speeds up the batterys chemical reactions, Jammeh points out. If you get into a cold car, youre going to use a lot more energy to heat that car up, so youll want to use the preconditioning feature to get the cabin to the appropriate temperature at home. Then when youre ready to leave, youre using less energy to sustain that temperature than you would going from a cold start.The car, in other words, is like a person in that way: its more difficult to get out of bed and get going when its cold.Nissan tested the all-electric Ariya in extreme temperatures to ensure the battery performs as it should.Image: Nissan

ShareIn an era where data is the backbone of every organization, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leaving businesses across Germanyparticularly in Frankfurtvulnerable to attacks. Recent GDPR statistics reveal a troubling surge in data breaches, with nearly 40% of small to medium businesses (SMBs) in Hessen reporting cybersecurity incidents in the past year. Frankfurt, a hub for finance and technology, finds itself at the epicenter of this growing crisis.As businesses digitize at unprecedented rates, their exposure to cyber threats escalates. The costs of inactionincluding reputational damage, operational disruptions, and compliance finesare too high to ignore. Thankfully, IT services offer robust solutions to mitigate these risks, serving as the first line of defense for businesses of all sizes.Why Frankfurt Is a Target for CybercriminalsFrankfurts prominence as a financial and technological hub makes it a lucrative target for cybercriminals. The citys infrastructure supports thousands of SMBs, multinational corporations, and financial institutionsall prime targets for ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.1. High-Value DataFrankfurts businesses manage sensitive customer and financial data, making them attractive to attackers seeking to exploit or sell this information.2. Increasing Digital DependencyWith businesses accelerating their adoption of cloud services, IoT devices, and remote work solutions, the attack surface has expanded significantly. Many organizations lack adequate measures to secure these technologies, leaving gaps in their defenses.3. Evolving Threat LandscapeGDPR has raised the stakes for businesses. Non-compliance in the wake of a breach can result in hefty fines, compounding the financial and reputational impact of cyberattacks.he iconic Euro symbol in front of the European Central Bank, representing Frankfurts role as a financial hub of Europe. The Cost of Data BreachesAccording to a recent IBM study, the average cost of a data breach in Germany has reached 4.85 million, a figure that continues to climb. Beyond direct costs, businesses also face:Downtime and Lost Revenue: Operational disruptions can halt productivity for days or even weeks.Customer Attrition: Loss of trust often leads to clients taking their business elsewhere.Legal and Regulatory Fines: GDPR mandates strict reporting and remediation measures, with fines reaching up to 20 million or 4% of global revenue.These risks underscore the urgency of adopting comprehensive IT solutions to safeguard sensitive data and maintain business continuity.How IT Services Can Fortify Your BusinessTo counter the escalating threat of cyberattacks, businesses in Frankfurt must embrace proactive and scalable IT solutions. Below are the critical areas where IT services can make a significant impact:Employee Training: Your Human FirewallHuman error remains a leading cause of data breaches, with phishing emails accounting for 91% of cyberattacks globally. Training employees to recognize and respond to potential threats is essential.Simulated Phishing Attacks: These exercises help employees identify malicious emails in real-time.Cybersecurity Awareness Programs: Regular training ensures staff stay informed about evolving threats and best practices.MFA adds an extra layer of security to account logins by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple factors, such as a one-time password or biometric scan. This approach drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.Case Study: A Frankfurt-based accounting firm implemented MFA across its systems, preventing a ransomware attack despite hackers breaching an employees email account.Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR): Prepare for the WorstBacking up data is no longer optional; its a critical safety net. Modern BDR solutions ensure businesses can recover quickly from breaches or system failures.Cloud Backups: Offsite storage protects data from local disasters and hardware failures.Disaster Recovery Plans: Ensure business continuity by switching to backup systems seamlessly during outages.Outdated software often serves as an entry point for cyberattacks. Implementing regular updates and patch management ensures vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.Automated Updates: Use tools to schedule updates without disrupting workflows.Security Patches: Address critical vulnerabilities that hackers frequently exploit.Network Monitoring: Proactive Threat DetectionReal-time network monitoring tools can detect unusual activity and prevent breaches before they escalate. By identifying threats early, businesses can mitigate potential damage.Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor traffic for suspicious patterns.Proactive Alerts: Receive real-time notifications to address risks immediately.Practical Steps for SMBs in FrankfurtAdopting IT services doesnt have to be overwhelming. Here are some actionable steps to enhance your cybersecurity posture:Step 1: Conduct a Security Audit. Work with IT professionals to identify vulnerabilities in your systems. A thorough audit highlights weak points, from outdated software to unsecured networks.Step 2: Implement Endpoint Protection. Advanced endpoint security solutions protect devices like laptops and smartphones from malware and phishing attacks. Tools like Sophos Intercept X are particularly effective.Step 3: Establish a Cybersecurity Policy. Create clear guidelines for employees, covering:Password management (e.g., regular updates and complexity requirements).Safe internet usage practices.Reporting suspicious activity promptly.Step 4: Partner with a Trusted IT Provider. You should only choose the best and most reliable IT services, and one company that offers this is ORTIT, a trusted provider of IT support in Frankfurt. ORTIT delivers tailored solutions like real-time monitoring, threat detection, and proactive maintenance, helping businesses stay ahead of cyber threats without the need for in-house expertise.Real-World Success StoriesCase Study: Preventing a Phishing AttackA logistics company in Frankfurt worked with an IT provider to improve its cybersecurity measures. Within three months:Employee training reduced phishing email click-through rates by 85%.MFA implementation secured remote access for employees working from home.Regular audits identified and patched vulnerabilities in their network.These measures prevented a major breach attempt, saving the company an estimated 150,000 in potential losses.The rise in data breaches is a stark reminder that cybersecurity is no longer optional; its a business imperative. For companies in Frankfurt, proactive investment in IT services can mean the difference between resilience and ruin.By investing in employee training, implementing advanced security measures, and leveraging professional IT support, businesses can safeguard their operations against emerging threats.