Researchers from Symantec have identified a partnership between financially motivated hackers and espionage groups, specifically noting the RA World ransomware group's use of a toolset previously linked to Chinese espionage operations. The toolset is a variant of the custom backdoor PlugX, associated with various Chinese threat actors, and was involved in espionage attacks targeting government entities in Southeast Asia and southeastern Europe from August 2024 to January 2025. This unusual crossover of tactics—typically not found in Chinese cyber actors' financially driven operations—raises questions about the hackers' motivations, prompting speculation about potential connections to known groups like Bronze Starlight and whether these ransomware deployments serve as a cover for espionage activities.

Hackers Unite: Ransomware Group Adopts Espionage Tactics in New Threat Ars Technica

In this piece, author Khalid Turk (Chief Healthcare Info Tech Officer, County of Santa Clara) humorously outlines common mistakes that can alienate C-level executives during conferences. He emphasizes the importance of personalized communication, understanding the executive's business needs, and delivering concise, value-driven presentations. Turk also highlights the pitfalls of overloading executives with information, neglecting follow-ups, and failing to establish genuine connections. The article serves as a guide for professionals aiming to engage effectively with CXOs during conference interactions.

"Sales Pros: Avoid These Hilarious Mistakes to Win Over Healthcare Executives" LinkedIn

A survey by Nong et al. highlights a significant distrust among patients regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an average trust score of only 5.38 out of 12. This skepticism has been amplified by a broader decline in public confidence in healthcare providers, which fell from 71.5% to 40.1% following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that unfamiliarity with AI contributes to negative perceptions, despite efforts to educate respondents. Historical insights indicate that trust in new technologies often improves over time, yet the current environment may hinder the acceptance of AI in healthcare, posing risks as patients start to interact with these technologies.

Survey Reveals Alarming Distrust in AI's Role in Healthcare JAMA Network Open

The 2025 National ORBIE Awards have unveiled their finalists, honoring technology executives for their contributions to leadership and business value through innovation. With a history spanning over 25 years, the awards recognize CIOs and CISOs from diverse sectors, selected from more than 40 chapters across North America. Finalists in the healthcare category include Shakeeb Akhter (Chief Digital & Information Officer, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Myra Davis (Chief Information & innovation Officer, Texas Children’s Hospital), Darin McDonald (CIO, UCare), Aaron Miri (Chief Digital & Information Officer, Baptist Health System) and Ellen Wiegand (CIO, VCU Health).  The independent, peer-reviewed selection process emphasizes criteria like leadership effectiveness and community engagement, ensuring finalists exemplify excellence in technology leadership. Winners will be announced live on August 14, 2025, in New York.

National ORBIE Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Tech Leadership GlobeNewswire

Researchers from Symantec have identified a partnership between financially motivated hackers and espionage groups, specifically noting the RA World ransomware group's use of a toolset previously linked to Chinese espionage operations. The toolset is a variant of the custom backdoor PlugX, associated with various Chinese threat actors, and was involved in espionage attacks targeting government entities in Southeast Asia and southeastern Europe from August 2024 to January 2025. This unusual crossover of tactics—typically not found in Chinese cyber actors' financially driven operations—raises questions about the hackers' motivations, prompting speculation about potential connections to known groups like Bronze Starlight and whether these ransomware deployments serve as a cover for espionage activities.

Hackers Unite: Ransomware Group Adopts Espionage Tactics in New Threat Ars Technica

In this piece, author Khalid Turk (Chief Healthcare Info Tech Officer, County of Santa Clara) humorously outlines common mistakes that can alienate C-level executives during conferences. He emphasizes the importance of personalized communication, understanding the executive's business needs, and delivering concise, value-driven presentations. Turk also highlights the pitfalls of overloading executives with information, neglecting follow-ups, and failing to establish genuine connections. The article serves as a guide for professionals aiming to engage effectively with CXOs during conference interactions.

"Sales Pros: Avoid These Hilarious Mistakes to Win Over Healthcare Executives" LinkedIn

A survey by Nong et al. highlights a significant distrust among patients regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an average trust score of only 5.38 out of 12. This skepticism has been amplified by a broader decline in public confidence in healthcare providers, which fell from 71.5% to 40.1% following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that unfamiliarity with AI contributes to negative perceptions, despite efforts to educate respondents. Historical insights indicate that trust in new technologies often improves over time, yet the current environment may hinder the acceptance of AI in healthcare, posing risks as patients start to interact with these technologies.

Survey Reveals Alarming Distrust in AI's Role in Healthcare JAMA Network Open

The 2025 National ORBIE Awards have unveiled their finalists, honoring technology executives for their contributions to leadership and business value through innovation. With a history spanning over 25 years, the awards recognize CIOs and CISOs from diverse sectors, selected from more than 40 chapters across North America. Finalists in the healthcare category include Shakeeb Akhter (Chief Digital & Information Officer, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Myra Davis (Chief Information & innovation Officer, Texas Children’s Hospital), Darin McDonald (CIO, UCare), Aaron Miri (Chief Digital & Information Officer, Baptist Health System) and Ellen Wiegand (CIO, VCU Health).  The independent, peer-reviewed selection process emphasizes criteria like leadership effectiveness and community engagement, ensuring finalists exemplify excellence in technology leadership. Winners will be announced live on August 14, 2025, in New York.

National ORBIE Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Tech Leadership GlobeNewswire