Don’t Miss Out: Last Chance for 2-for-1 Passes to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
If you’ve been thinking about attending TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, now’s the time to act. For a limited time, you can grab 2-for-1 passes before the deal ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT. This exclusive offer lets you bring a friend, business partner, or colleague along at a fraction of the cost. Why should you attend? Disrupt is the go-to event for tech enthusiasts, featuring AI discussions, expert-led sessions, and hands-on opportunities to learn and grow your business. You’ll also witness the Startup Pitch Battle, where the winner takes home $100K. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to network with leading tech figures and innovators from around the world. So, how do you get in? Simply secure your passes before the offer vanishes tonight.
WhatsApp Disrupts Spyware Campaign Targeting Journalists and Activists
A recent spyware campaign that targeted journalists and activists has been stopped by WhatsApp, but questions are being raised about the involvement of an Israeli spyware company, Paragon. It is believed that Paragon played a key role in the attack, which used malicious PDFs sent through WhatsApp groups to compromise its users. WhatsApp has since released a fix to protect against this vulnerability. While Paragon had maintained a relatively low profile in the spyware industry, this incident has put a spotlight on its actions. Experts, including researchers from Citizen Lab, are investigating the campaign further. WhatsApp also took legal action by sending a cease and desist letter to Paragon. The revelation challenges the company’s image as an “ethical” spyware provider and raises concerns about the broader industry. At the same time, Paragon has been linked to a controversial contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, adding to the growing questions about its operations.
Tata Technologies Faces Ransomware Attack, Services Remain Unaffected
Tata Technologies recently experienced a ransomware attack that impacted some of its internal IT systems. Despite the breach, the company reassured that its client services were not affected, continuing to operate as usual. The cause of the attack is still under investigation, and the company is working with experts to determine the root cause and implement necessary solutions. However, no specifics have been provided about the hacker group behind the attack or whether any ransom was paid. This incident comes as Tata Technologies continues to expand globally through acquisitions, a move that preceded its recent IPO.
Nutrix Tackles Workplace Stress and Women’s Health with Innovative Tech
Workplace stress is a major issue, costing U.S. businesses over $300 billion each year. To address this, Nutrix has developed a new device, cortiSense, that helps measure cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. This device provides a more convenient way to track stress levels compared to traditional clinic visits, as it uses saliva samples for testing. Nutrix’s focus is expanding from diabetes management to also include mental and physical health. The company recently raised $4 million with support from the Mayo Clinic and is starting its U.S. operations. In countries like Latin America, Nutrix’s model of having employers monitor employee stress through health screenings is already in use. The company is also exploring the connection between cortisol and women’s health, particularly during menopause, with plans for further research.
DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise and Industry Reactions
A Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, has recently caused a stir in Silicon Valley, quickly taking the top spot on the App Store, surpassing ChatGPT. This unexpected shift has sparked interest and concern in the tech world, with DeepSeek claiming that its models are not only more efficient but also far more cost-effective than its competitors. The rapid success of the startup raises important questions about the growing influence of China in the global AI race. Tech giants and the U.S. government are now paying closer attention, with fears that China might soon take the lead in AI development. Meanwhile, the latest TechCrunch Equity podcast dives into these developments, along with other key industry updates, such as Tesla’s earnings, the future of robotaxis, and investments in genomic research and fusion technology.
Rise in Cybersecurity Breaches Through Vulnerable Enterprise Tools
In recent years, several widely used enterprise cybersecurity tools have been exploited by hackers, leading to massive data breaches. The problem stems from vulnerabilities in commonly used software, such as file-sharing tools, VPNs, firewalls, and remote access systems. These flaws are often easy for attackers to exploit, making organizations vulnerable to hacks that can affect millions of individuals. For instance, tools like Fortra and MOVEit have been targeted by ransomware groups, stealing sensitive data from countless businesses. Meanwhile, security flaws in major companies like Cisco, Citrix, Ivanti, and Fortinet have left their customers open to attacks. Hackers take advantage of these bugs through zero-day exploits, meaning that security patches are unavailable at the time of the attack. The result is widespread disruption, financial loss, and theft of sensitive information, highlighting the ongoing risks that organizations face in securing their networks and systems.
Perplexity Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit
A legal dispute has arisen involving Perplexity, an AI startup, after it was accused of using a trademark already owned by another company. Perplexity Solved Solutions, a Texas-based firm, claims the startup has been using the name “Perplexity” for its AI products, including the software platform “Perplexity Spaces,” which allegedly competes with its own products. The issue came to light when Perplexity Solved Solutions filed a lawsuit, arguing that this use of the name is misleading and confusing customers. This conflict centers around the similarity of the companies’ branding, which Perplexity Solved Solutions believes violates trademark laws. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, including a cease-and-desist letter, the legal battle is ongoing, further complicating matters for Perplexity, which is also dealing with other lawsuits, including one from News Corp’s Dow Jones for content-related concerns.
