Fortinet Signs Cyber Threat Information Sharing Agreement with IBM

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Proactive Threat Sharing Collaboration toProvide Enhanced Protection for Customers

Fortinet, a global leader in broad, automated, and integrated cybersecurity solutions, today announced that Fortinet and IBM Security will collaborate through the bi-directional sharing of cyber threat information.

• The goal of the agreement is to proactively combat cyber threats and threats to privacy globally through the sharing of contextual threat information generated by the Fortinet FortiGuard Labs threat research team and IBM Security’s X-Force research team.

• IBM Security and Fortinet will directly collaborate through bi-directional sharing of threat intelligence using secure channels. Joint threat information sharing will deliver deep security research expertise and global threat intelligence for increased protection for the customers of each company.

• IBM Security and Fortinet global threat research teams monitor and analyze security threats from a variety of sources, providing valuable and near real-time threat intelligence. By integrating the threat intelligence feeds from each company, customers will now benefit from more thorough data being available.

Ongoing Cooperation Between Fortinet and IBM

While the agreement formalizes the cooperation between Fortinet and IBM Security in regards to threat information sharing, both organizations have already been working together in regards to comprehensive security protections.

IBM Security has been a Fortinet Fabric-Ready partner since 2017. Fortinet’s open approach extends the broad visibility, integrated threat prevention, and automated response of itsSecurity Fabric architecture through well-defined APIs to IBM for unified security management and security incident response.

In addition, Fortinet earlier this year announced collaboration with IBM on its IBM X-Force Threat Management Services. Working with IBM Security on X-Force Threat Management Services enables both organizations to further provide mutual customers with threat insight, attack detection and prevention, and an integrated defense-in-depth strategy designed to seamlessly span across an organization’s entire attack surface. 

Caleb Barlow, vice president threat intelligence, IBM Security

“By entering relationships with trusted partners like Fortinet, IBM is able to construct a clearer picture of the global threat landscape. Today, threat actors are highly skilled, organized, well-resourced and able to operate globally and swiftly. In order to defend effectively, we must operate with that same speed and develop informed, accurate counter-measures. The kind of collective defense we’ve formed with Fortinet helps IBM better protect clients and communities by equipping us with additional intelligence that enables us to respond to emerging threats more quickly, and more completely.” 

Phil Quade, chief information security officer, Fortinet

“Every organization faces evolving cyber threats, an expanding attack surface, and a growing cybersecurity skills shortage. Actionable intelligence with global visibility is important to enable these organizations to move from being reactive to proactive. You cannot protect or take action on what you cannot see, which is why threat information sharing between trusted industry partners is a vital part of helping businesses combat cyber threats globally.”

SBA Loans - What Are Their Functions and Objectives?

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You probably know how difficult to convince your bankers to sanction a business loan for your organization. Meeting the eligibility requirements, these lenders lay down for such funds is only the first step. After this, you have to fill up numbers of applications forms and provide adequate collateral. It is a time-consuming process. However, the government realizes the importance of entrepreneurship for the economies of their country. The establishment you operate in the market not only provides you with a livelihood. It also provides employment to the people you hire. This is the reason why the officials running have come up with small business administration loan schemes.

What is the function of Small Business Administration?

The Small Business Administration is a government agency in America which help entrepreneurs get the funds they need. It conducts its activities through a vast network of prominent financial institutions and private lenders. Its objective is to ensure that these business owners get the loans they require without any hassle. In addition to lending money, the officials of this organization also provide necessary support and education to such proprietors. They leave it up to the lenders to formulate their own eligibility criteria for providing such funds. However, they go to the extent of guaranteeing a small percentage of every loan such lenders give out. This minimizes their overall risk to a certain extent. This ensures the proper growth of various categories of small businesses in the economy.

The entrepreneurial loans which the Small Business Administration provide businessmen generally fall under the three categories:

SBA 7(a) Loans

If you opt to apply for such funds, you can get an up to $ 5.5 million. However, you need to repay this sum and the equivalent interest within a period of 7 years.

CDC/504 loans

You can use this loan to buy land for your business or new machinery to boost production. The amount you get under this scheme depends upon the nature of the asset you want to acquire.

SBA microloans

You have a great idea to fulfill a shortage in the market but no funds to finance your venture. In such a situation such a loan can help you to establish your start-up concern. You can get as much as $ 50,000 for your business. However, you need to repay this sum within a period of 6 years.

SBA loans do not have the same stringent eligibility requirements which banks lay down for sanctioning such funds. However, you need to:

Have a credit score of 620+;

Earn an income of $10,000 over and above annual revenues of your business; and

You should have two years of experience in operating your business unless it is a startup concern 

4 Key benefits of Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

Industry experts say entrepreneurs can enjoy the following four important advantages when opt to apply for SBA loans:

Comparatively low rates of interest

The interest rates banks charge for the loans they provide is an important concern for most entrepreneurs. They need cost-effective funds to operate their businesses. However, bank officials argue that their organizations need to earn adequate profits. This is why they charge a very high price for the funds they lend out to such proprietors. Prominent professionals from reliable organizations like say this is where SBA loans come into the picture. Depending upon the market conditions, the interest rate on SBA 7(a) Loan can be as low as 6.75%. This is an important fact which you cannot afford to ignore at any costs.


Capital availability

Getting bank officials to sanction a loan you need to operate your business can be a daunting task. They are generally reluctant to provide such funds to entrepreneurs especially those with a low credit score. They need to be absolutely sure they can get their money back with interest. This is why they lay down such stringent eligibility requirements. The situation becomes worse when the economy is reeling under a recession. No one has to explain this fact to you. Fortunately, opt to apply for SBA loans can help you out in such circumstances. You can borrow as much as $5.5 million for your business at a nominal rate of interest.


Repayment period and terms

You need to keep in mind a number of factors when you opt to take a loan from a bank. One of the most is the time period within which you have to repay this money. You need to utilize such funds to operate your business carefully. Otherwise, it could put a lot of stress on your organization's finances especially the cash flow position. This is something you do not want to do. However, SBA loans generally come with the longest repayments period and flexible terms. Opting for such funds can ease the pressure on your business finances. In some cases, you can repay the amount you borrow over a period of 25 years.


Down payments

It is not uncommon for your banker to ask you for a down payment or collateral. Only then will give you the money you need for your business. He/she may insist on laying down such a condition after examining your financial profile. He/she may even consider the purpose for which you will be using such money. Financial experts like nationaldebtrelief.com explain that SBA loans have the lowest down payments in the market. In some cases, you just have to pay only 10% of the amount you are asking for. In the case of a microloan, you do not have to pay anything at all.

The above four important advantages should convince you that it is worthwhile to opt for SBA loans. They are one of the most popular entrepreneurial loans in the market today. Opting to borrow such funds can do wonders for your business and the economy as a whole. Moreover, the money comes with a guarantee from the government to secure lenders of the risk they undertake. The officials ruling the country are willing to pay as much as 85% of the amount they lend out in case their borrowers’ default. This provides a win-win situation for everyone.

A Weekend of Thrilling E-Sports Action at Globe Conquerors Manila 2018

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Globe At Home kicks off FREE internet for League of Legends with HomeSurf promos

Thousands of gaming fanatics flocked to the Mall of Asia Arena last August 18-19 for the country's biggest League of Legends event, Globe Conquerors Manila 2018! Presented by Globe and Garena, the major esports tournament saw 8 teams from Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia battle it out to become the best team in Southeast Asia. Gamers were also treated to the new HomeSurf promo of free internet for gaming from Globe At Home!

Electrifying regional playoffs

Thai powerhouse team Ascension Gaming rose to the top with a perfect 6-0 record. Fresh off their win at the Garena Premier League 2018 Spring in March, they gained unbreakable momentum and crushed Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Hunters in the semifinals and fellow Thai team MEGA ESports in the finals. They won the grand prize of $100,000 plus the coveted spot at the League of Legends World Championship in Korea as the Southeast Asian representative.

"All in all, Globe Conquerors Manila 2018 was a major success. There was a great turnout from LoL fans, amazing performances from all of the teams including the celebrities, and a world-class production befitting a world-class game. Pinoy gaming fans can definitely expect a Globe Conquerors Manila 2019," said Jake San Diego, Globe Gaming Director.

Celebs compete for a cause

Fans didn't tune in just for the SEA playoffs, they also cheered for their favorite celebrities as they returned to the Rift for Celebrity Showmatch 3! Team Ruby was comprised of Pinoy crooner Christian Bautista, popular international gaming streamer Cowsep, comedian Empoy Marquez, gaming vlogger Ashley Gosiengfiao, and Fliptop rapper Sinio. On the other end, Team Sapphire consisted of Baste Duterte, teen heartthrob Jack Reid, rapper Shehyee, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, and model/actor Mikael Daez.

What set this year's Celebrity Showmatch apart from previous competitions was that they were playing for a cause, with event organizer Garena joining with the participating celebrity teams in contributing to the environmental group, Hineleban Foundation. Each champion, dragon, and baron take down adds P1,000, P5,000, and P10,000 respectively to the total donation pool. At the end, Team Ruby slayed their way to the top and a whopping P134,000 was raised for Hineleban.

"We are very thankful to Garena for supporting and highlighting our environmental sustainability policy through this exciting match. The generous cash donation will be used in planting 1,340 trees to save the country's primary rainforests in Bukidnon," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Free internet at home for gaming from Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi

Even after this weekend's thrilling Conquerors saga comes to an end, Globe continues to power its customers' gaming experience. With Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi, customers can enjoy FREE INTERNET for gaming apps like League of Legends and Arena of Valor with HomeSurf promos. They can access these games without having to worry about consuming their data allocation. All this for as low as P15!

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi is available at Globe Stores, 7 Eleven, Ministop, and Abenson stores for only P1,999. Enjoy internet access at home that's 2x faster, has 2x wider coverage and 2x stronger signal vs. MyFi.

This promo is also available for Homesurf15, Homesurf349, and HomeSurf599. For more information, visitbroadband.globe.com.ph/prepaid-wifi.

Stay updated on the latest gaming promos by following Globe on Facebook andTwitter.