#Vulnerability management services

[jonah-miles-smith]

Navigating the Cloud: Latest Advancements and Best Practices in Cloud Vulnerability Management

The cloud has revolutionized the way organizations operate, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. However, as more businesses migrate to cloud environments, the importance of robust cloud vulnerability management has never been greater. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest advancements and best practices in cloud vulnerability management, helping you safeguard your cloud infrastructure from potential threats.

Latest Advancements in Cloud Vulnerability Management

1. AI and Machine Learning Integration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming how organizations approach vulnerability management. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and detect anomalies that might indicate vulnerabilities. AI-driven tools can prioritize vulnerabilities based on potential impact, reducing the noise and helping security teams focus on the most critical issues.

2. Automated Vulnerability Scanning

Automated scanning tools have become more sophisticated, providing continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection. These tools can now integrate seamlessly with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, allowing for vulnerability assessments at every stage of development. Automation not only speeds up the process but also reduces the chances of human error.

3. Enhanced Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)

Cloud Security Posture Management tools have evolved to provide more comprehensive visibility and control over cloud configurations. CSPM tools now offer advanced features like automated compliance checks, risk assessment, and remediation suggestions, helping organizations maintain a secure cloud environment and adhere to industry regulations.

4. Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust is gaining traction as a fundamental security model for cloud environments. It operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” meaning that every request, whether internal or external, must be authenticated and authorized. Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture involves rigorous identity and access management, continuous monitoring, and least-privilege access policies.

5. Cloud-Native Security Solutions

Cloud-native security solutions are designed specifically for cloud environments, offering deeper integration with cloud services and better scalability. These solutions include cloud-native firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption tools that are optimized for cloud workloads and can dynamically adjust to changing environments.

Best Practices for Cloud Vulnerability Management

1. Adopt a Layered Security Approach

Implementing multiple layers of security helps protect against various types of attacks. This approach includes network security, application security, data security, and endpoint protection. Each layer provides an additional defense mechanism, making it more difficult for attackers to breach your cloud environment.

2. Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Keeping your cloud infrastructure up-to-date is crucial for minimizing vulnerabilities. Regularly apply patches and updates to operating systems, applications, and services. Automated patch management tools can streamline this process, ensuring that updates are applied promptly without disrupting operations.

3. Implement Strong Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Effective IAM practices are essential for controlling who has access to your cloud resources. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), enforce strong password policies, and regularly review access permissions. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that users have only the access necessary for their job functions.

4. Conduct Regular Security Assessments

Regular security assessments, including vulnerability scans and penetration tests, are vital for identifying and addressing potential weaknesses. Schedule these assessments frequently and after significant changes to your cloud environment. Use the findings to continuously improve your security posture.

5. Leverage Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems

SIEM systems aggregate and analyze security data from across your cloud infrastructure. They provide real-time visibility into potential threats and facilitate incident response by correlating logs and alerts. Integrating SIEM with your cloud environment helps you detect and respond to security incidents more effectively.

6. Educate and Train Your Team

Human error is a common factor in security breaches. Regular training and awareness programs can help your team understand the latest threats and best practices in cloud security. Ensure that everyone, from developers to system administrators, is aware of their role in maintaining a secure cloud environment.

Conclusion

As the cloud continues to evolve, so do the strategies and tools for managing vulnerabilities. By staying informed about the latest advancements and adhering to best practices, organizations can better protect their cloud environments from emerging threats. Embrace automation, leverage advanced technologies, and foster a culture of security to keep your cloud infrastructure resilient and secure.

[richardmhicks]

Always On VPN May 2024 Security Updates

Once again, Microsoft has released its monthly security updates. For May 2024, there are several vulnerabilities in services related to Always On VPN that administrators will want to pay close attention to. Microsoft has identified known issues in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) and the Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan) service for this release cycle. RRAS This month,…

[concertium]

Tampa's Managed IT Excellence

Achieve operational excellence with Tampa's premier Managed IT services. Our expert team delivers dependable IT support, from infrastructure management to cybersecurity, ensuring your technology ecosystem supports your business objectives without fail.

[stldigital]

The Impact of Technology on Drug Development

Embarking on the journey of drug development is akin to navigating a complex maze filled with both challenges and breakthroughs. It presents hurdles that demand innovative solutions while holding the promise of transforming healthcare as we know it. There are chances of a high failure rate, the timelines are arduous and extensive financial investments are required. That is why the intervention of technology in drug development is required. 

Amidst the challenges, there exists a realm of advancements reshaping the drug development landscape. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Throughput Screening (HTS) and gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, hold immense potential for developing gene therapies and personalized medicine solutions. Nanotechnology facilitates targeted drug delivery, enhancing efficacy while minimizing side effects. Meanwhile, 3D printing, specifically bioprinting, enables the creation of human tissue models for personalized testing, reducing reliance on traditional animal models.

The History of Technology in Drug Development

Acknowledging the historical context, the role of technology in drug development has always been pivotal, evolving from early tools like microscopes to contemporary innovations such as genomics and robotics. Its influence spans across crucial stages:

Target identification and validation: Understanding disease pathogenesis at the molecular level enables the development of drugs that precisely interact with the underlying mechanisms.

Drug discovery: Technologies like HTS and AI streamline the identification of potential drug candidates from extensive libraries of molecules.

Preclinical testing: In vitro and in vivo models, empowered by technology, allow researchers to assess drug efficacy and safety before advancing to human trials.

Clinical trials: Electronic health records and advanced data analysis tools contribute to monitoring patient outcomes and optimizing trial design.

Manufacturing and production: Automated processes ensure consistent and efficient drug production, adhering to stringent quality and safety standards.

Seeing today’s immense data computational requirements, many companies are supporting medical researchers and healthcare experts in developing innovative medical solutions using technology. In July 2021, NVIDIA launched the Cambridge-1, the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, designed for research in healthcare and AI (Source).

Streamlining Clinical Trials with Technology: Faster, Better, More Accessible

Clinical trials, the gateway to new and lifesaving treatments, can be long, expensive, and cumbersome. Thankfully, technology in drug development is stepping in to streamline the process, making it faster, more efficient, and accessible to a wider range of participants. Here’s how:

Decentralized Trials

Gone are the days of requiring participants to travel to centralized research sites. Telemedicine, wearables, and mobile apps are enabling decentralized trials, where participants can participate remotely. This increases geographical reach, improves diversity in trial populations, and reduces the burden on participants.

Data Capture and Analysis

Electronic data capture (EDC) systems eliminate manual data entry, minimizing errors and streamlining data collection. Real-time data analysis allows researchers to monitor progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions faster. Advanced analytics tools like AI and machine learning can even predict potential issues and suggest course corrections.

Enhanced Communication and Engagement

Interactive platforms and mobile apps keep participants informed and engaged throughout the trial. They can easily ask questions, report side effects, and access study materials, leading to better adherence and improved data quality.

Virtual Reality and Simulation

VR technology can be used to train clinical trial staff, simulate clinical scenarios, and even conduct certain patient assessments remotely. This saves time and resources, while potentially improving the quality of training and assessments.

The Impact on Speed and Efficiency

Advancements in technology in drug development are bringing significant benefits to the process. Streamlined processes and remote participation can shorten trial timelines by months or even years. Decentralization and technology-driven automation can significantly reduce trial costs, making them more feasible for smaller companies and less common diseases.

Moreover, real-time monitoring and accurate data capture lead to higher-quality data, reducing the risk of errors and delays in analysis. Decentralized trials also make participation more accessible for geographically diverse populations and those with limited mobility.

In addition, analyzing vast datasets and identifying hidden patterns can lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and previously unknown disease mechanisms, paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.

However, some challenges and considerations remain with the increasing use of technology in drug development.

Ethical Concerns: Ensuring equitable access to new treatments and mitigating biases in AI algorithms are crucial ethical considerations.

Regulatory Adaptations: Regulatory bodies need to adapt to keep pace with technological advancements while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology can exacerbate existing healthcare disparities and exclude certain populations from clinical trials.

Data Privacy and Security: Robust cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect sensitive patient data from breaches and misuse.

Despite these challenges, the future of clinical trials is undoubtedly intertwined with technology. By harnessing its potential, we can accelerate the development of life-changing treatments, making them accessible to more people sooner.

What Does the Future Hold?

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see trends like (Source: McKinsey & Company):

Rise of Quantum Computing: Simulating complex drug-cell interactions and accelerating materials discovery for revolutionary new drugs.

Advanced Robotics and Automation: Further automating laboratory processes and robotic surgery for enhanced precision and efficiency.

Bioprinted Tissues and Organs: Testing drugs on 3D-printed human tissues and organs for more accurate preclinical assessment.

Enhanced Gene Editing: Precise gene editing therapies for complex genetic diseases and personalized medicine.

Nanomedicine: Delivering drugs directly to diseased cells, minimizing side effects and maximizing efficacy.

The Verdict

Overall, the impact of technology in drug development is undeniably transformative. While challenges remain, the potential for faster, more effective, and personalized treatments is immense. The increased penetration of technology in the drug development procedure is bound to bolster the speed of delivering effective treatments for diseases old and new.

At STL Digital, we help entities working on state-of-the-art drug and treatment development, leverage the power of our innovative digital solutions for the life sciences and healthcare sector and hasten their progress. As we embrace innovation and address ethical considerations, we can harness the power of technology to usher in a new era of healthcare, where personalized medicine becomes a reality and life-saving therapies reach everyone who needs them.

[sayruq]

I figured I should list setbacks and consequences (including signs of internal collapse) faced by Israel in the past couple of months. I'll make this as chronological as possible. Add any you think I missed.

While Hezbollah targets Haifa, Golan Heights, and new settlements

Gaza continues to punish the invading army

More and more western publications are forced to admit that Israel cannot defeat the Palestinian resistance

“This is a very high number that encompasses many sectors. About 77 percent of the businesses that have been closed since the beginning of the war, which make up about 35,000 businesses, are small businesses with up to five employees, and are the most vulnerable in the economy,” Yoel Amir, CEO of Israeli information services and credit risk management firm, CofaceBdi, told Maariv. The report adds that “the most vulnerable industries are the construction industry, and as a result also the entire ecosystem that operates around it: ceramics, air conditioning, aluminum, building materials, and more – All of these were significantly damaged,” according to CofaceBdi’s risk ratings. The trade sector has also been severely affected. This includes the service sector and industries including fashion, furniture, housewares, entertainment, transport, and tourism. Israel is in a situation where “there is almost no foreign tourism,” the report said, adding that “damage to businesses is all over the country, and almost no sector has been spared.” This includes the agriculture sector, which is based mainly in the south and the north – both considered active combat zones due to the threat posed by the Palestinian resistance and Lebanon’s Hezbollah – whose support front against Israel has significantly contributed to the downfall of the economy. The CofaceBdi CEO estimates that 60,000 Israeli businesses are expected to be shut down by the end of 2024.

ICYMI, Yemen's armed forces have said they got a direct hit on Eisenhower, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier, forcing it to leave the Red Sea

Israel's attack on Yemen is playing a role in bringing Yemen's civil war to an end.

Etc, etc.

The point of this post is to encourage everyone who reads it. Keep talking about Gaza, keep boycotting, keep protesting, keep resisting.

[eficens-discovercloud]

Master Vulnerability Assessment in Cloud with DiscoverCloud

In the dynamic realm of cloud technology, organizations are constantly seeking ways to fortify their digital infrastructure, and one crucial aspect is cloud security. DiscoverCloud steps into this arena as a trusted ally, offering a comprehensive suite of services and accelerators that bolster cloud defenses and drive business growth.

Imagine a scenario where a business operates in the cloud, leveraging its immense potential. However, with the digital landscape becoming increasingly complex, safeguarding data and infrastructure is paramount. In comes DiscoverCloud, equipped with a suite of services designed to provide a robust Vulnerability Assessment in Cloud.

The DiscoverCloud Journey

The journey commences with a meticulous analysis of the organization's cloud infrastructure. Leveraging advanced application profiling and modernization accelerators within the Cloud Control Plane, Eficens DiscoverCloud tailors its approach to match the unique ecosystem of each client.

After profiling the cloud workloads, the Cloud Operations Plane takes over, offering comprehensive cloud operations support. This includes automated toolchains and real-time monitoring of applications, data, and infrastructure. The result is akin to having vigilant sentinels safeguarding digital assets around the clock.

DiscoverCloud's commitment extends to optimizing cloud resources economically. The Cloud Economic Plane provides financial advisory services tailored to workload patterns and infrastructure needs. It's not just about security; it's about cost-effective security.

With Eficens DiscoverCloud managing cloud operations, organizations can shift their focus to core business objectives. The burden of cloud management is lifted, allowing resources to be channeled into innovation and growth.

But the journey doesn't end with security and efficiency. DiscoverCloud accelerates and modernizes the innovation journey. Their accelerators are more than mere tools; they're strategic assets.

First in the arsenal is SAP Assist, a unique accelerator simplifying SAP migrations to the AWS Cloud. It empowers migrations with AI insights, aligns with best practices, and ensures seamless transitions.

Next up is Traverse, a workload discovery and visualization tool that provides in-depth insights into AWS Cloud deployments. It's the trusted guide in the complex terrains of Cloud Operations, SecOps, and DevOps.

Finally, there's Trekora, the cloud cost optimizer. It meticulously examines cloud expenditure, offering cost-saving recommendations and transparent visibility. With Trekora, organizations maintain control over their financial cloud journey.

DiscoverCloud goes beyond offering services; they forge strategic partnerships with industry-leading cloud providers like AWS, GCP, and Azure. This ensures access to unparalleled service and expertise.

Ready to work together?

In a world where technology continually reshapes businesses, Eficens DiscoverCloud stands as a strategic co-pilot. They navigate the complexities of cloud management while accelerating innovation processes. This holistic approach mitigates financial, operational, and technological challenges, propelling organizations toward accelerated business outcomes.

For organizations ready to fortify cloud defenses and unlock the full potential of their digital transformation journey, DiscoverCloud is the answer. They aren't just a cloud service provider; they're the co-pilot for achieving accelerated business outcomes and simplifying cloud complexity.

[reasonsforhope]

"For over a decade, the Yosemite toad has been recognized as a federally threatened species, after experiencing a 50% population decline during the Rim Fire of 2013.

The wildfire, which encompassed a mass of land near Yosemite National Park, made the amphibian species especially vulnerable in its home habitat. 

Native to the Sierra Nevada, the toads play a key role in the area’s ecosystem — and conservationists stepped in to secure their future.

In 2017, the San Francisco Zoo’s conservation team began working with the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the U.S. Geological Survey. 

The goal of all of these stakeholders? To raise their own Yosemite toads, re-establishing a self-sustaining population in the wild. 

“Over the past several years, SF Zoo’s conservation team has been busily raising hundreds of these small but significant amphibians from tadpole stage, a species found only in the Sierra Nevada, for the purpose of reintroducing them to an area of Yosemite National Park where it was last seen 11 years ago,” the zoo shared on social media. 

By 2022, a group of toads were deemed ready for release — and at the end of June of this year [2024], 118 toads were flown via helicopter back to their habitat.

“It’s the first time anyone has ever raised this species in captivity and released them to the wild,” Rochelle Stiles, field conservation manager at the San Francisco Zoo, told SFGATE. “It’s just incredible. It makes what we do at the zoo every day worthwhile.”

Over the past two years, these toads were fed a diet of crickets and vitamin supplements and were examined individually to ensure they were ready for wildlife release.

Zoo team members inserted a microchip into each toad to identify and monitor its health. In addition, 30 of the toads were equipped with radio transmitters, allowing their movements to be tracked using a radio receiver and antenna.

The project doesn’t end with this single wildlife release; it’s slated to take place over the next five years, as conservationists continue to collect data about the toads’ breeding conditions and survivability in an ever-changing climate. They will also continue to raise future toad groups at the zoo’s wellness and conservation center...

While the future of the Yosemite toad is still up in the air — and the uncertainty of climate change makes this a particularly audacious leap of faith — the reintroduction of these amphibians could have positive ripple effects for all of Yosemite.

Their re-entry could restore the population balance of invertebrates and small vertebrates that the toads consume, as well as balance the food web, serving as prey for snakes, birds, and other local predators.

“Zoo-reared toads can restore historic populations,” Nancy Chan, director of communications at the San Francisco Zoo, told SFGATE. 

Stiles continued: “This is our backyard, our home, and we want to bring native species back to where they belong.”

-via GoodGoodGood, July 11, 2024

[tiredguyswag]

one of those masterposts for Sudan 🇸🇩

Disclaimer: I am not Sudanese, and am in no way an expert on the ongoing crisis. Corrections, if any, are welcome.

LAST UPDATED: 26th April 2024 [Please try to reblog the original post as much as possible]

~

So what's going on in Sudan? Sudan was under the rule of the military dictator Omar Al-Bashir for thirty years. He came to power through a military coup in June 1989. His rule saw extreme economic decline, repression, and conflict. In the December of 2018, a democratic revolution began that eventually overthrew the dictatorship on April 11, 2019, and saw the beginning of a military rule by militant parties SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) and RSF (Rapid Support Forces). This unrest is, of course, funded by western governments.

On the 15th of April, 2023, fighting broke out in Khartoum between the SAF and RSF. Clashes spread across the nation of Sudan, and the civilian populace is still caught in the middle. According to UN officials, Sudan is in “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history."

There is an ongoing war in Sudan, and it's getting worse. There is a health crisis along with the humanitarian crisis as well: around 2/3rds of the population do not have access to healthcare services. Around 15-20 millions suffer from hunger. There are 70 non-operational healthcare facilities in conflict zones. Thousands killed, millions displaced, and a dramatic increase in sexual violence and rape cases.

~

Links for Learning Resources:

Hadhreen: Hadhreen started as an initiative by a small group of Sudanese youth in 2015. Since its inception it continued to work in a variety of sectors, most notably Emergency response, health, and in supporting vulnerable groups.

Talk About Sudan: Learn more about what's happening in Sudan and actions you can take. Also has donation links for those who are able.

Keep Eyes On Sudan: A website run by Sudanese diaspora to amplify the calls of the Sudanese people. Has donation links, actions you can take, upcoming protests and events, resources, FAQs, etc.

#SudanSyllabus.docx: An extensive and well-sourced document, providing English language resources about Sudanese history. It's really long and has got lots of links to books, articles, and more. Curated by Razan Idris.

Human Rights Watch

~

Donation Links:

List of verified charities providing humanitiarian assistance in Sudan

Help Sudan Tarada Initiative: The aim is to deliver emergency basic needs, food and medicine. Funds will be transferred directly to local charities and organization who are managing those shelters to make sure that the funds are well received and is spent on the needs specified.

One Million Sustainable Pads Campaign: Fundraiser to help provide women in IDPs camps with reusable pads

Zubeyda Adam and family (Sudan)

Our home bombarded and destroyed

Help my family escape Sudan's war

Save a transperson in african Refugee camp from starvation [Unsure about the legibility of this one since its not from the person themself, but if someone can verify this for me that would be great]

Hope For Sudan

Darfur Women Action

Doctors Without Borders

Fill A Heart: Financial Assistance to Sudanese Hospitals

Hometax: Sudan Relief

Cairo Sudan Aid

Amal For Women

Sudan Solidarity Collective

Sadagaat

UNICEF

~

These are all the links I have so far. Please spread awareness about Sudan! Let me know if there are any links I should add to the post and I will update it.

[pcgoodguys]

Block Hours Support or IT Services Agreement: Which Is Best for a Small Business?

Patrick Jensen (Owner) IT Services Agreement or Block Hours Support: Which Is Best for a Small Business? – 1/30/2023 There are many types of IT support available for a business, and the two most common are “managed services” and “block hours support.” In this article, we’ll look at what these are, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which one might be right for you. What Is Block Hours…

[sylusjinwoon]

{ 203 }

attention seeker.

alternate title: the five times he purposely got injured to get your attention.

sylus x (non.mc)healthcare.worker!fem.reader

notes: healthcare worker can be any profession of your choosing in the medical field like nursing, physician, pharmacist, physical therapist, etc.

{ i know you’re faking it, but that’s okay. }

ever since sylus knew of your occupation as a healthcare worker, the man stopped healing himself using his abilities, always wanting you to take care of his injuries and wounds.

he didn’t care how his wounds could heal with just a mere snap of his fingertips. all he wanted was to feel your soft touch; to bask in the way you would always dote on him as your fingertips would lightly trace at his cuts and bruises.

“what's this? aren't you the almighty leader of onychinus who can't be killed? why would you ever need my services?" he recalls you asking him in a giggle, earning a growl of your name from him as he gave you paper thin excuses.

"i have been feeling more exhausted than usual, and am unable to bring forth such abilities. so... are you going to heal me or not?" his haughty reply would always earn him a playful roll of your eyes at him, yet you were never one to deny him of his needs (a fact that he was all too willing to take advantage of.)

currently, he was busy examining his supply of weapons, and his hands itched with a sudden desire to run his fingers through your hair while bringing your pliant form into his embrace. frustrated at how distracted he was feeling, sylus pushes himself away from his desk all while taking deliberate strides toward your shared bedroom.

he arrives at the master bedroom within a few minutes, letting a huff in response as he pushes aside the doors, revealing your sleeping form settled comfortably atop the king-sized bed. sylus freezes in his steps, wishing to take a moment to admire you. crimson eyes trail down your body with adoration shining within his gaze, taking note of how vulnerable you looked as his silk sheets were tangled up within the length of your legs.

after spending a few moments simply watching you, sylus steps closer to you, sitting down on the edge of the bed as he reaches out a hand to brush back your hair. while burning your image into his very memories, he couldn't help but reminisce about the times he had given himself an injury or experienced pain, just so he could begin to heal with your gentle touch...

{ ... }

sylus had purposely put himself in the middle of a bar fight the moment the bastard had managed to give him a black eye in response to his intervention. he was around the area, wishing to check on the businesses he owned when he stepped foot into the bar.

immediately, he knew something was amiss when he caught sight of a drunkard messing with one of the female bartenders, the scent of vodka reeking from the bastard's very veins when sylus stepped closer to him. he merely placed a hand on that drunkard's shoulder when the bastard swung at him, managing to land his fist against sylus's eye.

red hot anger was felt coursing through his veins as he grabbed the vodka drenched man by the collar of his torn shirt, forcing him to land head first against the onyx counter. when he hears the satisfying crunch of bones breaking against the marble counter, a sense of satisfaction fills him-

but sylus wanted more-

he was bloodthirsty, and he felt the way his left eyelid seemed to pulse from the sudden impact of the asshole's punch-

yet what ultimately stops him was the sight of your smiling face, and how you would have been so disappointed in him for ruthlessly killing for no good reason.

with a scoff, sylus shoves the drunkard away from the counter before dragging his body out of his bar, tossing him outside and into the pouring rain. "you're lucky i felt generous enough to spare your life. leave this place and never come back, unless you really have a death wish."

sylus was uncertain if the man had even heard him when he started to puke profusely, earning another grunt of disgust from onychinus's leader as he looked away from the vomiting man.

turning away from the mess, sylus goes to check on the bartender, and once he was certain she was unharmed, he leaves the bar through the back exit and rides his motorcycle, with the intention of returning home to his shared penthouse-

of returning home to you.

filled with motivation thanks to the thought of you, sylus purposely speeds through the rain, dodging traffic as he rode between several vehicles with you as his sole purpose. after racing through the city, he finally arrives back home, parking his bike in its usual spot before making his trek back to toward the penthouse settled at the top floor.

the moment he unlocks the door, he was greeted by your smiling face, with your arms already outstretched to welcome him. however, when you notice the purple and black bruise beginning to blossom against his left eye was when your demeanor completely changes.

"oh my god, what happened to you, sylus?!"

"hm? what do you mean?" he was frowning, but here you were, chattering around him like a worried, mother hen.

"your eye...! your left eye has the worst bruise on it!" you tell him with a hiss, taking him into your shared bedroom before settling him on one of the couches. he was ready to protest, the words ready to spill from his parted lips when you suddenly disappeared into the bathroom, pulling out a first aid kit before rejoining him on the couch.

with your eyes filled with love and concern for him, he allows you to gently dab at his bruised eye with a cold handkerchief, biting back a grin as you worked on treating his bruise.

he never used his powers to heal that night, for he found a much deeper comfort in having you care for him instead.

{ ... }

the day he had broken his arm was completely and utterly accidental on his part. he was simply working out, not paying any attention when the weights on the shelf slid down and just happened to land on his arm.

upon feeling such an impact on his arm, he let out a string of curses, but refused to readjust his arm and heal himself. when he steps out of his personal gym and greets you, he purposely lays the extent of his pain on thick.

"sweetie... i'm afraid an accident happened... could you help me? i believe my left arm is broken."

you were in the midst of reading a book when he returned back home to you, already seeing the worry in your gaze as you stood up from your seat. "sy, what happened?"

he lets out a hiss when you gingerly touch at his arm, hiding back a grin before admitting to you. "i think a fifty pound weight fell off from the shelf and landed on my arm when i tried to catch it. the pain... it's too much to bear. i can hardly focus."

that was when your doting nature reappeared, helping him into bed with the same determination shining in your eyes as you put some ice on his arm while offering him some medicine to aid with easing the pain.

you spend the next hour or so scolding him, telling him to be more careful as you help with keeping his arm in place, already making plans to set up an appointment at the clinic for him as sylus couldn't help but simply smile in response.

never before had another human being shown so much compassion and concern for him-

and he loved every minute of it.

{ ... }

the bruises on his back and abdomen caused by luke and kieran's training was also a mess that sylus had purposely brought upon himself.

knowing that his kids henchmen were all too eager to train and show off their newly acquired skills at ambushing him, sylus allows the twins to treat him like their own personal punching bag, knowing that their blows were hardly painful-

but it was enough to cause a series of bruises appear all across his body, causing your gentle hands to remain glued to him, doing everything that you could to help him heal.

after spending two hours with the twins, sylus dismisses them the moment he hears you coming home from work. knowing that you were currently undressing in the bedroom, ready to destress after a hard day at work.

with a half smirk donning his features, he enters the bedroom dressed in his gym clothes. calling out your name, he catches your attention, watching as you turn around and face him.

"hello, my grumpy crow." he grumbles at your nickname for him, but welcomes you in his arms with little hesitation. you lean up to press a kiss against his lips, allowing him to deepen it for a brief moment before pulling away from him.

you meet his gaze, arms already coming up to wrap around his neck when you saw several purple and black marks on his chest.

"sylus, what happened to you?!" you let out a gasp, taking a step back as you saw several bruises blossoming against his pale skin. he simply hums, feigning innocence as he looked down at his chest. "oh, luke and kieran's punches were so light that i barely felt them. i guess they're getting stronger now if they're able to bruise me like this."

a look of suspicion crosses your lovely features, but instead of questioning him, you let out a sigh before taking his hand and leading him into your shared bathroom.

with his luxurious, porcelain tub in sight, you turn on the faucet, allowing the hot water to fill before focusing your attention on sylus. he meets your gaze, expression filled with a calm confidence. he watches as you step closer to him, hands running up the fabric of his tank top before sliding it off his body. you do the same with his shorts and boxers, leaving him completely bare for you.

"wow, you've stripped me of all my clothes and have yet to pounce on me, that's quite an achievement, kitten." you roll your eyes at his teasing words, pushing him into the tub as he lands inside of it with an audible splash!

his eyes darken with desire for you, hands running through his now soaked strands of hair. he sits back up against the tub while watching you with hungry eyes as you shed the rest of your clothes. once you remained just as bare for him, you join him, settling yourself on his lap while gently massaging and soothing the bruises seen across his body.

unfortunately for you, your innocent touches simply served as a means for sylus to unleash the entirety of his desires on you, making love to you as he stopped caring about the sheer amount of water that lands against the marble flooring of the bathroom in response to sylus's passionate movements... simply basking in your cries of pleasure.

{ ... }

the day he had gotten sick with a fever was something that was truly accidental on his part.

it was a stressful time for him, with news of a traitor lingering within onychinus taking over his time as he sought out the mole. sylus had spent countless nights looming over his men, his eyes never leaving their sights before he came into contact with a man who's thoughts were filled to the brim with greed.

upon realizing that the bastard had been leaking important information to a rival, sylus takes it upon himself to get rid of the problem permanently, refusing to give the man a second chance (even as he begged for his life.)

yet by the end of it all, a strange exhaustion was felt coursing through his veins. his steps were uneven and heavy when he manages to return back to the penthouse, panting while thinking of you (always thinking of you).

the moment he comes home and sees you in the kitchen, the scent of your cooking filling his nostrils, he thought he would be excited to see you; to bask in your cooking as he was finally able to relax after such an arduous event.

but all he felt was an impending nausea, leaving him trembling and coughing as he struggled to get on the couch. hearing his struggles, you shut off the stove and cease cooking, coming closer to him.

"sylus!"

you settle yourself in front of him, taking note of the haziness seen within his gaze. normally, his eyes shone a bright red and ruby hue, so filled with life-

yet now, they became hazy and dull, losing the light it once had due to his mental exhaustion.

sylus was unable to respond to you, letting out a deep sigh when he feels the palm of your hand touch at his skin. you gasp, feeling just how hot his skin was beneath your touch. "you're burning up...!"

still in a haze, sylus was dimly aware of the way you helped him stand up, practically dragging his body towards the bedroom as his fevered body was pressed up against you. he didn't know when or how it happened, but you had placed his body in bed while peeling off his clothes, leaving his expensive suit in a pile in the corner of the room.

the man was about to respond to you, telling you how his suit was worth what a businessman makes in a year, but was unable to do so. he was going in and out of consciousness, dimly aware of you saying "i'll be right back..." before disappearing from his view completely.

sylus's hands itched with the urge to grip at your wrists-

to prevent you from leaving him so soon when all he wanted was for you to stay by his side and hold him; to comfort him when he was in such desperate need of you.

without you here, the man found it difficult to close his eyes and fall asleep, your absence making him feel even grumpier as he sat up from his spot in bed. losing track of time, he was ready to stomp out of the room (using all of his remaining strength if he had to) just to get to you and force you to come back with him.

but his anger soon disappears the moment you enter the room with a tray in hand. he tilts his head at you, seeing what looked like a steaming bowl of soup with a tall glass of ice water and some tylenol. setting the tray on the nightstand, you click your tongue and hold the bowl in your hand.

"what am i going to do with you?"

sylus chuckles in response to your question, "what are you going to do with me? well, you're going to take care of me, of course."

you let out a soft laugh before dipping the spoon in the broth, gently blowing on it before feeding it to him. you bask in the way he allows you to feed him, showing you a vulnerability that you had never seen before. once he finishes eating the soup, you offer him two tablets and watch as he drains it with the glass of water. only when you place the emptied glass on the tray did he make his move.

with your hands free of all bowls and utensils, sylus wraps his arms around your body, crushing your form close to his chest before laying back in bed with you. a series of giggles was heard coming from your parted lips, and sylus found that he had enough strength to bask in such a sweet sound.

he continues holding you, allowing your gaze to meet with his, you gently brush back his hair with a smile, smoothing back the lines seen against his forehead before gently telling him, "go to sleep... you need it."

sylus lets out a huff of your name, taking a hold of your hand before biting down against the side of it. "only you have the power to tell me what to do and how to live my life. remember that."

returning your form closer to his embrace, sylus holds you to his chest before slowly falling into a peaceful slumber, feeling all of his stress melt away the moment your warmth begins to surround him.

{ ... }

it was just a simple cut on his cheek-

but the way he kept pouting glaring at you made it seemed like he was in an excruciating amount of pain.

sylus was mad at you, remaining settled on the couch while refusing to look at you.

"if my blood drips on the couch, then it's your fault for not healing me."

you couldn't help but roll your eyes even further upon hearing his theatrics. "sylus, you and i both know that you can survive a simple gunshot wound to the chest. this cut is nothing in comparison, my love."

a plethora of grumpy sounds were heard coming from him, his arms now settled across his chest as a bitter scowl paints his expression. "and i told you i don't like abusing my powers. so are you going to help this heal or not?"

bullshit.

if that's the case, how on earth did you heal before i came into your life?

you wanted to call him out on his lie, you really did-

but seeing the soft (almost puppy dog look) in his eyes makes you stop. as you sift through your memories and think back to all the times you had helped sylus 'heal,' you had a sudden epiphany.

perhaps it wasn't the fact that you could help him heal him, but rather...

he liked the fact that you worried and constantly doted over him, since caring for him was an integral part of your love language.

with a wistful smile, you head back into your shared bedroom, taking out your first aid kit before returning to sylus. you sit directly beside him, gently taking a hold of his chin, revealing the thin cut on his defined cheek to you. with a q-tip in hand, you apply some of the antibacterial ointment on it before gently covering the slender line of blood with it. once it was completely covered, you choose a rather colorful band-aid decorated with blue penguins, settling it directly over the cut.

"there, better?" you set off the first aid kit to the side, ready to leave when sylus grips at your wrist.

"not quite, darling. you missed a step." his eyes were shining with mischief now, pointing directly at his 'injured cheek' now covered with a bandaid. "you know what to do."

letting out a feigned sound of annoyance, you lean in closer, pressing a kiss directly over where you had placed the bandaid as you felt him smiling against your lips. before you could move away from him, sylus ends up tackling your body against the couch, littering your face with obnoxious kisses as he elicits the sounds of joyous laughter from you.

{ ... }

by the end of his reveries, he was left smiling, heart filled with love for you as he slowly joins you in bed.

making sure that his movements were slow and steady, he manages to get into bed without disturbing you, taking you into his arms with a grin on his face.

sylus takes a minute to admire you once more, brushing back your hair while relishing in your natural beauty. "i can never get enough of you..." he admits in a hoarse tone, wondering just how lucky he was to be able to say that you were his; that you belonged to him alone.

filled with adoration for you, sylus allows himself to close his eyes, visibly relaxing in bed as he places your body on top of his chest. you stir for the briefest of moments, but end up smiling in your sleep, somehow knowing that you would always be loved and protected by him...

a.n. - lmao my current major / career goals has to deal with the medical field, so this was a very self-indulgent story for me to write (⺣◡⺣)♡

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[richardmhicks]

Always On VPN April 2024 Security Updates

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Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2028

Global Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) Market is expected to grow at a significant growth rate, and the analysis period is 2022-2028, considering the base year as 2021.

Vulnerability management is so much more than being able to run vulnerability scans against an environment. It includes patch management and IT asset management (ITAM), and increasingly, it also incorporates automation and remediation. The goal of vulnerability management is to be able to rapidly address vulnerabilities in the environment through remediation, mitigation, or removal. VMaaS is a way to deliver these services via the cloud rather than downloading and running on-premises software. VMaaS is a continuous process of identifying, assessing, reporting on, and managing vulnerabilities across on-premises and cloud identities, workloads, platform configurations, and infrastructure. Typically, a security team will leverage a cloud security platform to detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and other cloud risks. A strong cloud security vulnerability management program analyzes risk in context to address the vulnerabilities that matter the most as quickly as possible. Vulnerabilities can be found in various parts of a system, from low-level device firmware to the operating system, all the way through to software applications running on the device, said Jeremy Linden, senior director of product management at Asimily. Some VMaaS vendors will deliver prioritized remediation plans for security teams to address.

The global Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) market research investigates the market in-depth and offers a comprehensive analysis of the major growth determinants, Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) market share, current trends, key players, and their future predictions. In addition, market demand and supply, each geographical region's growth rate, and market potential are all included in the Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) Market study. Raw materials, marketing channels, client surveys, industry trends and proposals, CAGR status, product scope, Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) market trends, major leading countries/regions, market risk, and market driving force are all included in the market research. The market prediction was based on a thorough market investigation completed by several industry experts.

To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy:

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Key Industry Players in Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) Market:

·         Ivanti VMaaS

·         ServiceNow

·         Syxsense Active Secure

·         Flexera Software Vulnerability Management

·         Asimily Insight

·         Rapid7 MVM

·         Qualys VMDR

·         Crowdstrike Falcon Spotlight

·         Buchanan Technologies

·         CGI UK

·         Citadel

·         CSW

·         Datashield

·         Dimension Data

·         GoSecure

·         GuidePoint Security

·         IBM

·         Ingram Micro

·         Kontex Security

·         NTT

·         Optiv

·         SecurityHQ

·         Stratejm, and Other Major Players.

The research goes into detail on the elements that drive market growth, including significant opportunities, growth drivers, as well as opportunities. Furthermore, it builds on previous data and the present business environment to forecast the industry's performance from 2020 to 2025. The study includes an extensive analysis of the workings of this business industry at regional and country levels in order to assess the industry size at a global level. Further, the study literature examines the dominating actors and assesses the techniques they use to maintain their position in the competitive arena.

Segmentation Analysis Includes,

By Type:

·         Software

·         Solution

By End Users:

·         BFSI

·         IT & Telecommunication

·         Healthcare

·         Others

By Region:

·         North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

·         Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)

·         Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)

·         Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Africa, Rest of MEA)

·         South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

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Effective Points Covered in Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) Market Report: -

·         Details Competitor analysis with accurate, up-to-date demand-side dynamics information.

·         Standard performance against major competitors.

·         Identify the growth segment of your investment.

·         Understanding most recent innovative development and supply chain pattern.

·         Establish regional / national strategy based on statistics.

·         Develop strategies based on future development possibilities.

It describes the top and new vendors and their various strategies such as geographic expansion strategies, merger and acquisition, research and development, and new product introduction strategies in order to execute future industry growth and expansion over a foreseeable time period. The Market Share Analysis examines suppliers in terms of their contribution to the entire market. It provides an indication of how much income it generates in comparison to other suppliers in the industry. It provides information on how suppliers compare to one another in terms of revenue creation and client base.

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