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ABC’s of protecting SMBs in SEA against malicious mining

As the symptoms and consequences of malicious mining are less obvious and less immediate than ransomware and phishing attacks, it’s easy for SMBs to disregard it as a mere technical issue. However, its aftermath is costly in the long run.

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5 years ago

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Across Southeast Asia, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen businesses and governments attempt to mitigate the financial impact of this unprecedented public health crisis. Southeast Asian economies are taking a huge hit in the global economic crisis, with 64% of respondents from a recent regional survey conducted by Ernest & Young expecting a slower recovery extending into 2021. 

While countries continue to experience different levels of success with containing the spread of the coronavirus, they have adopted different approaches when it comes to reopening their economies. For example, Singapore is currently in Phase 2 of its exit strategy from the circuit breaker measures, with most businesses and social activities allowed to resume from June 19. In Malaysia, most economic activity has been resumed with interstate travel permitted from June 10. These are clear indicators that Southeast Asian countries are making a concerted effort to enable their businesses to recover more quickly from the pandemic. 

However, challenges such as cash flow problems persist. Almost 5,000 firms have borrowed S$4.5 billion from government assisted schemes in recent weeks in Singapore, while the Bank of Thailand has provided 500 million baht of soft loans to financial institutions so that they can offer loans to certain small medium businesses (SMBs). If SMBs are to ensure that their path to economic recovery remains smooth, they would need to address all aspects of their business operations and strategy – and that includes shoring up their cybersecurity defenses to reduce the financial impact of data breaches and hacks. 

Number of malicious mining attempts against SMBs blocked by Kaspersky solutions and the country’s ranking based on the share of users almost infected with this malware

“Malicious mining attacks continue to remain as a widely underreported area of cyberthreats to SMBs. In this age where we are well acquainted with the infamous examples of data breaches, it is natural for us to pool our resources together and deal with ransomware and large-scale phishing attacks. However, this is not the case when it comes to cryptomining,” comments Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky. 

“As the symptoms and consequences of malicious mining are less obvious and less immediate than ransomware and phishing attacks, it’s easy for SMBs to disregard it as a mere technical issue. However, its aftermath is costly in the long run. The rapid increase of cryptojacking incidents in the region should be a wakeup call for enterprises in all shapes and forms. Cybercriminals are doing this attack because it is profitable, it is high time that we acknowledge this and improve our defenses against it,” he adds.

SIGNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED BY CRYPTO-MINING

In essence, some signs that may point towards devices being used for crypto-mining:

  • Substantial increase in electrical consumption and usage of CPU
  • System response will slow; the device’s memory, processor, and graphics adapter are bogged down completing cryptomining tasks.
  • Wasted bandwidth will decrease the speed and efficiency of legitimate computing workloads
  • Batteries will run down much faster than before, and devices may run quite hot.
  • If the device uses a data plan, users will see data usage skyrocket.

TIPS TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF AGAINST CRYPTO-MINING

To proactively safeguard your business against SMBs, here’s what you should focus on:

  • Enhancing the cybersecurity awareness of your employees is the first step, but a highly critical one for any business that takes cybersecurity seriously. Having them understand basic things like what file/link to open will go a long way in preventing crypto-miners from planting malware on electronic devices. Also, it is worth creating employee and operational control policies that cover aspects of network management and facilities, including password renewal regulations, incident handling, access control rules, protecting sensitive data and more. 
  • Monitor web traffic – frequent queries to domains of popular cryptomining pools are a clear sign that someone is mining at your expense. Ideally, add these domains to your domain block lists for all computers in your network — lists of such domains can be found online. New domains are constantly appearing, so be sure to update the list systematically.
  • Keep track of your server load. If the daily load changes suddenly, that may be a symptom of a malicious miner. Carrying out regular security audits of your corporate network may also be helpful.
  • Ensure that all your software are up to date as soon as they are available so that you are well prepared for the latest cyberthreats. 
  • Implement the right cybersecurity solution for every aspect of your business operations, both hardware and software related. Use a dedicated endpoint security solution equipped with web and application control, anomaly control and exploit prevention components that monitor and block suspicious activity on the corporate network.

If you are already the victim of a crypto mining attack, or are looking to recover, here’s what you can do:

  • Use a strong security solution on all computers and mobile devices, such as Kaspersky Internet Security for Android or Kaspersky Total Security to identify the threat, and enable Default Deny mode where possible.
  • Kill and block website-delivered scripts. Your IT team should note the URL that is the source of the script and update the organization’s web filters to block it immediately. 
  • If a website extension is responsible for infecting the browser, update all the extensions and remove those that are not needed or are infected. 

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Tech & Innovation

Acer launches TravelMate X14 AI business laptop to empower SMBs and hybrid workforces

The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

Published

4 weeks ago

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September 30, 2025

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Acer announced a suite of commercial products designed to empower the modern workforce. The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

“As AI is becoming increasingly important in modern business workflows, small and medium businesses need devices that integrate intelligent tools, robust security, and mobility,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “The TravelMate X 14 AI was designed to deliver just that, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Copilot+ PC experiences, offering professionals a lightweight yet durable solution crafted to accelerate productivity and collaboration from anywhere.”

“The Acer TravelMate X14 AI demonstrates what’s possible when advanced hardware and modern processors come together. With powerful performance, enhanced security, and unique AI experiences, it’s an ideal choice for today’s professionals looking to upgrade to a PC that prioritizes portability and performance. Together with Acer, we’re redefining what the modern workforce can expect from their Windows 11 PCs.” — Mark Linton, Vice President, Windows + Devices, Microsoft

TravelMate X4 14 AI: Lightweight, Secure, and AI-Ready to Boost SMBs

Built for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and mobile professionals, the TravelMate X4 14 AI (TMX414-51) is a sleek and secure AI business laptop. It features up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with 115 TOPS[1] of overall performance, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe storage, ensuring smooth multitasking. Running Windows 11 Pro, the laptop supports Copilot+ PC experiences[2], including Recall (preview), Click to Do, improved Windows search, Cocreator in Microsoft Paint, and Live Captions for real-time multilingual translations.

Weighing just 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) and measuring 15.9 mm (0.63 inches) thin, it is ideal for professionals who travel frequently and work remotely. Built to meet MIL-STD 810H durability standards, it can withstand vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable travel companion. Coupled with its stylish design, the portable AI business laptop can certainly make an impression within any work setup or business meeting.

The 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA display provides ample screen space, with an optional OLED panel with 500 nits peak brightness delivering vibrant colors with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification[3] (hardware solution) to support better eye comfort. Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 technology, paired with DTS:X Ultra Audio-enhanced speakers, ensure crystal-clear video calls.

This business laptop complies with TCO certification[4] and includes security features to help protect data and on-screen information. Acer UserSensing 2.0 enables the built-in proximity sensor to dim and then lock the screen when the user is away. Lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 keep professionals connected for seamless streaming, lag-free video calls, and fast file transfers, and is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 slot and a Gigabit Ethernet port, offering versatile connectivity options.

Acer Vero Projectors

The Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n are mercury-free laser projectors made for sustainable and long-term use. With lifespans up to 30,000 hours and 40% lower power consumption compared to traditional lamp-based models, these projectors help reduce the total cost of ownership while delivering reliable performance. As a short-throw projector, the Vero SL2520n can produce a 100-inch image from just 1.1 meters, making it great for space-constrained environments.

All the projectors share the same high-performance specifications, including up to Full HD resolution1 and 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, projecting crystal clear images with impressive brightness. They support 360-degree projection, portrait mode, and advanced 2D and 4-corner keystone correction, to adapt flexibly to any space or scenario. ​Their IP6X dustproof rating and 24/7 operation capability ensure performance even for demanding use cases, and their 93% Rec.709 color gamut and 50,000:1 contrast ratio deliver immersive images. Viewing experiences are enhanced with 15W built-in speakers and have dedicated modes tailored for entertainment – football mode for the Vero XL2 Series, and golf mode for the Vero SL2520n. The SL2520n comes with its own Ethernet slots, while all three models possess a pair of HDMI ports for flexible display setups.

Staying true to Acer’s eco-conscious values, all three Vero projectors feature 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in their chassis and 100% recyclable packaging, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

[1] Specifications may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models are subject to availability. 

[2] Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs 

[3] TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certified panel only available on the OLED display SKU. 

[4] Acer TCO-certified models are identified with the “TCO” suffix in the model name (ex: XXXXXX-XX-TCO). For more details on Acer TCO-certified products, please see https://tcocertified.com/product-finder/ 

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BizWiz

Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

Published

3 months ago

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July 21, 2025

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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Tech & Innovation

Canon launches new imagePROGRAF TC-21 desktop large format printer

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

Published

3 months ago

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July 20, 2025

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Canon announced the new imagePROGRAF TC-21, successor to the imagePROGRAF TC-20 compact desktop large format printer. As a step up, the Auto Sheet Feeder (ASF) in the imagePROGRAF TC-21, has been enhanced to meet varied printing needs such as production of publicity materials, architectural and design drawings.

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

Tiltable Operation Panel for Easier Viewing

For the imagePROGRAF TC-21, it is designed to be as space-saving as possible. For example, print-related operations like the paper set and ink filling can be performed from the front of the printer. In addition, it has a tilt-type operation panel that provides comfortable and enhanced usability as the angle can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. Even if the imagePROGRAF TC-21 is installed on a low shelf, users will still find it easy to operate.

Wide Range of Media Sizes and Types

With its versatile media handling capabilities, the imagePROGRAF TC-21 not only supports printing from A1+ roll paper, but also other types of media like A3 and A4 sizes, postcards, envelopes and labels fed via an auto sheet feeder. It can also adapt to printing the same content in different sizes, such as an A1 scale drawing for submission, an A4 drawing for review, a large poster for a restaurant menu and an A6 or postcard-sized flyer for table placement.

Printing Enhancements

The “Minimal Margin Printing” function allows users to print on roll paper with no top and bottom margins, with minimal margins on the left and right sides. The imagePROGRAF TC-21 adopts the image processing method like the higher-end model to print posters in vivid colours even on plain paper, thus making the creations more impactful. The high-capacity ink tank in the imagePROGRAF TC-21 also enables efficient printing and reduces the time required for ink refiling. To express their creativity, users can utilise the free software, “PosterArtist” to create posters and flyers that help bring their vision to life.

Environmentally Friendly Materials

As part of efforts to care for the environment, approximately 5% recycled steel and 40% recycled resin were integrated into certain parts of the printer’s body. In addition, the product packaging is made of recyclable cardboard instead of polystyrene foam. With high environmental performance, the TC-21 has been registered as a gold product under U.S. environmental assessment system EPEAT.

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