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.

ReviewsHumansHow child soldiers heal after the trauma of warShadows into Light looks at the mental health of Sierra Leones former child soldiers Researchers are studying how to help children and their families recover from the trauma of war.WENN Rights Ltd/Alamy Stock PhotoBy Elizabeth Quill1 hour agoShadows into LightTheresa S. BetancourtHarvard Univ., $35For more than two decades, Theresa S. Betancourt has followed the lives of children (now adults) who returned home after being forced to fight in the civil war that ravaged Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002. Thousands of children unwillingly participated in the violent conflict as soldiers, spies and laborers. Many took part in attacks on their own neighbors and relatives, many faced sexual violence, many witnessed unspeakable atrocities. In her new book, Betancourt, director of Boston Colleges Research Program on Children and Adversity, shares what she has learned about the factors that have helped some of these people recover and even thrive.

Nature, Published online: 10 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04240-1Adam Levy discusses some of the systemic changes needed to make the academic workplace both a happier and healthier place.

Nature, Published online: 10 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04233-0These three scientists are pushing boundaries in their fields.

Antarctica is home to a peak shaped like a perfect pyramid but contrary to what conspiracy theorists say, the mountain's four symmetrical faces were forged through natural processes.

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When Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles was released nearly 25 years ago, it featured a roster of heroes--and a few villains--from Lucasfilm's Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. Jar Jar Binks was not among the playable characters in the game's original form, but he will be featured in the game's upcoming release on modern consoles. In the reveal trailer below, Jar Jar finally gets a chance to become an action hero. Jar Jar shows far more skill and fighting prowess in that trailer than he ever displayed in The Phantom Menace or any of his subsequent appearances. Regardless, Jar Jar's ridiculous side is also on full display when he runs away from a pack of charging animals on Naboo. Courage was never Jar Jar's strong suit, but it might be fun to play all the way through the game as this unsung hero.Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are the two primary controllable characters in Power Battles. However, the game will also allow players to use Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, Queen Padme Amidala, Captain Panaka, Ki-Adi Mundi, a battle droid, and Darth Maul. It's also been tweaked by developer Aspyr to give the Jedi screen-accurate depictions of their respective lightsaber colors. For example, that means Mace Windu will be getting his purple lightsaber.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Marvel Comics has one of the best rosters of superheroes and supervillains, and you're able to smash them against each other in Marvel Rivals now that the game is available to play on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. A free-to-play team-based competitive shooter that has kicked off the Dracula-themed Season One update, Marvel Rivals is developed by NetEase and features playable characters from superteams like the Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy.So far, dozens of heroes and villains are in the game, giving players a diverse group of portal-manipulating wizards, not-so-jolly green giants with astonishing anger management issues, and a fictional K-pop sensation to use in combat. Set in a universe where Doctor Doom and his 2099 incarnation have mucked about with time and created an anomaly called the Timestream Entanglement, this event eventually leads to heroes and villains battling each other in 6v6 battles across destructible environments.We've gathered up a list of every confirmed character for the game since it launched, and you can see them all below. We already know that in 2025 we'll see the Fantastic Four arrive in Marvel Rivals, with the first playable member of Marvel's first family being Mister Fantastic.For a closer look at how these characters stack up when compared to each other, you can also check out GameSpot's tier lists on the best Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist characters to play as. Iron ManA tech-savvy powerhouse, Iron Man looks like a versatile character with plenty of powerful tools in his arsenal. He can attack foes with his Repulsor rays, unleash a barrage of missiles, and can go airborne. Spider-ManWith the proportionate speed, strength, and agility of a spider, Spider-Man is an agile option for anyone looking to disrupt the momentum of the opposition. Thanks to his web-shooters, he can temporarily trap opponents and leave them in a vulnerable state. HulkInterestingly, it looks like players will be able to take control of both the Hulk and his puny alter-ego, Bruce Banner. Once Banner hulks out, he gets an enormous health bar boost and he uses a variety of ground-and-pound techniques to smash foes. As part of the team-up gameplay mechanic, Hulk can even channel excess gamma radiation into Iron Man and supercharge the armored Avenger's energy attacks. Black PantherThe defender and ruler of Wakanda, Black Panther can slash away at the competition with his Vibranium claws and summon the power of the Panther God Bast in battle. LokiThe god of stories, Loki hasn't forgotten his trickster roots and can confuse enemies by summoning a mystical doppelganger. Loki can even shapeshift into one of the opponents, using their unique skills to cause some chaos. StormBriefly seen at the end of the Marvel Rivals trailer, we're not too certain how Storm plays in the game just yet, but we do know that this mutant weather goddess is no pushover. In media, Storm's weather-manipulating powers allow her to summon lightning, fly with air currents, and even create tornadoes. NamorAn oceanic powerhouse, Namor can dish out some pain with his trident or summon a squid-like familiar for some extra firepower. Doctor StrangeVery little has been shown of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme, but from what we have seen so far, it looks like this master of the mystic arts can use portals to safely close gaps and can stop time with the Eye of Agamotto. MagikMagik looks like the last person you want to have invading your personal space, as she can send you flying with her Soulsword. And if that wasn't bad enough, she can transform into her demonic form, DarkChylde, and make use of new abilities to level the playing field. GrootEveryone's favorite tree titan, Groot hits hard and from a mid-range distance thanks to his flexible limbs. This Guardian of the Galaxy can also team up with Rocket Raccoon for some extra devastation. Rocket RaccoonRocket might be a bit of a glass cannon with his small health bar, but he could also be hard to pin down as he comes equipped with a jetpack and can quickly scale buildings. When he's not dodging attacks, he can fight back with his long-range weapons and team up with Groot during matches. Star LordBriefly teased, Star Lord can be seen with his trademark Element Guns. In other Marvel games, these blasters allow Star Lord to fire various elemental rounds, and with a bag of technological tricks at his disposal, he usually allows for flexible playstyles in those games. MantisMantis hasn't been seen in action yet, but if she's anything like her comic book or MCU counterpart, she'll likely be a close-quarters combat specialist who can immobilize enemies with her empathic powers. Peni ParkerOne of the standout stars from the Spider-Verse, Peni Parker doesn't have Peter Parker's arachnid-themed powers, but she does have a powerful mech suit armed with lethal appendages. Luna SnowPreviously seen in games like Marvel Future Fight and Marvel Super War, Seol Hee AKA Luna Snow mixes ice-manipulating powers with K-Pop style. In the debut trailer, it looks like Luna can team up with Namor to enhance his water-based skills in combat. Scarlet WitchAnother character who made a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance, the Scarlet Witch is a magic-wielding titan in Marvel comic books, film, and television. We're not certain what she can do just yet, but the official gameplay screenshots for Marvel Rivals suggest that she'll use her arcane powers to hex opponents. MagnetoThe mutant master of magnetism is looking swole in Marvel Rivals, but beyond that, details on Magneto are scarce. From what we have seen so far, it looks like he'll be a defensive character in the same vein as Overwatch's Reinhardt, as he can generate magnetic shields to block projectile attacks. The PunisherBetween Asgardian gods, Avengers, and mutants, Frank Castle might seem like an odd fit for this superhero game. The vigilante is undeniably talented when it comes to using weapons, and it looks like he'll be the Bastion of Marvel Rivals, as he can use a gun emplacement to lock down a part of the battlefield. HelaThe most chilling duelist in the roster, Hela can summon the powers of Nastrond to conjure cursed crows and swords in battle. VenomThe slimy symbiote pounces onto the battlefield as a heavyweight Vanguard-class brawler in Marvel Rivals. Not only can Venom dish out massive damage, but he can also stay in the fight longer thanks to his health-siphoning abilities. Adam WarlockAlso known as the Golden Guardian of the cosmos, Adam Warlock is a strategist who can keep your team fighting fit thanks to his multiple healing and resurrection abilities. Captain AmericaFittingly, Captain America is a beefy star-spangled tank in combat. As a Vanguard character, he can soak up damage, protect teammates, and smash through enemies. Winter SoldierA Duelist type, the Winter Soldier excels at eliminating a cluster of enemies with his explosive rounds. Combined with his other abilities, this Cold War assassin hits hard from multiple ranges. ThorThe god of thunder is a great character for drawing enemy fire thanks to his high amount of health and powerful Thorforce abilities. A one-man army, he can easily throw himself into the middle of a superhero fracas and wreck the opposition. Jeff the Land SharkHe might look cute, but Jeff is an adorable monster in the hands of someone who knows how to use him properly. Able to heal and boost his allies, Jeff can also defy the laws of physics and swallow up the opposition with his powerful ultimate ability. PsylockeShe might be a bit of a glass cannon, but when you master Psylocke's ability to sneak her way behind enemy lines and slash her way back to her team, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. Moon KnightThere's a high learning curve when it comes to Moon Knight, but mastering this Duelist-type character's various abilities is worth it as he's one of the best damage-dealers in the game. Not only does he have impressive mobility, but his skills also allow him to dish out pain across wide sections of a map as well. HawkeyeFittingly, Hawkeye is a rewarding character for skilled players to use. His bow allows him to dish out absurd amounts of damage with a single charged arrow, and even if enemies close the distance in an attempt to take him down, his close-range skills make him dangerous when he's backed into a corner. WolverineWolverine hasn't been a popular choice since he debuted, but a recent update has fine-tuned the legendary X-Man and turned him into a lethal brawler. In the best scenario, you'll want to throw Wolverine into a mob so that he can chip away at them, as his healing abilities and close-quarters skills turn him into a mutant menace on the battlefield. Iron FistFew things in life are as terrifying as an Iron Fist player on a collision course for your Marvel Rivals character. The martial arts legend can demolish a health bar with ease, and in the right hands, he makes up for his low health with hard-hitting combos and impressive survivability. Squirrel GirlShe's beaten Dr. Doom with nothing but her furry friends, and in combat, Squirrel Girl is a beginner-friendly character thanks to her explosive primary attack and her ability to take out groups of enemies from a (relatively) safe distance. Black WidowYou'll need plenty of practice to become an ace Black Widow player, but once you do, you'll find that she's a cool sniper who can easily find tactical positions on the map to ply her deadly trade. Cloak and DaggerThe first duo in Marvel Rivals, Cloak and Dagger occupy the Strategist slot in the game's roster. The pair are at their best when they support their team with healing abilities and buffs, but they can also turn a battlefield into hostile territory thanks to their Eternal Bond ultimate ability. Mister FantasticAt the time of writing, it's still early days for Mister Fantastic, the stretchy super-genius and leader of the Fantastic Four. What we do know so far is that he's a Duelist-type character who can absorb damage and bounce back from danger thanks to his rubber body. Upcoming Marvel Rivals charactersNetEase has also confirmed that the rest of the Fantastic Four--The Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing--will be added to the game soon as well. We haven't seen them in action yet, but it'll be interesting to see how they change up the game and what their team-up abilities are.Several other characters have been leaked as well, and it looks like the Marvel Rivals roster is set to grow substantially if these heroes and villains are added to the game:AngelaBladeCaptain MarvelDeadpoolEmma FrostHit-MonkeyJean Grey (Phoenix)MODOKThe HoodUltronValkyrie

Developer MegaPixel Studio and publisher Forever Entertainment have released a new trailer for The House of the Dead 2: Remake. It's releasing sometime in Spring 2025 for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox.The game is set in 2000, which is two years after the events of the first game, and monsters have taken over a small city. Players assume the control of a secret agent, James Taylor or Gary Stewart, as they investigate the source of the monster infestation. Players can also team up together in co-op mode.Aside from the campaign, there is also a Boss Rush mode where players can challenges themselves to defeat the game's bosses as fast as they can. The training mode allows players to hone their skills in different scenarios before embarking on a mission. There are also multiple endings and branching levels, with the option to play with either the classic soundtrack or the remastered one.Continue Reading at GameSpot

CGI in anime has come a long way over the years, and though many still prefer 2D, animators like Gensho Yasuda have proven that 3D's prevalence need not be chalked up solely to concession. After years of viral Blender animations that have garnered him millions of followers online, Yasuda's feature-length film, Make a Girl, is poised to make that point more eloquently than ever before.