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SonicWall Reframes Annual Research Around SMB Protection Outcomes, Reveals the Seven Deadly Sins in 2026 Cyber Protect Report

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New Report Finds Serious, Actionable Attacks Rose More Than 20% as SMBs Face Growing Threat from Increasingly Precise, AI-Enabled Adversaries

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – SonicWall today announced the release of the 2026 SonicWall Cyber Protect Report, marking a landmark reframing from traditional threat reporting in favor of the protection outcomes that matter most to business leaders. At the heart of the report is a sobering finding: most SMBs aren’t failing because of sophisticated attacks. They’re failing because of seven predictable, preventable gaps that SonicWall has named the Seven Deadly Sins of Cybersecurity.

The 2026 report continues to draw on data from SonicWall’s global network of more than one million security sensors to reveal a threat landscape that is growing more precise and more relentless. Some key statistical findings include:

  • High and medium severity attacks surged 20.8% to 13.15 billion hits. Attackers aren’t striking more often, they’re striking smarter.
  • Automated bots now generate more than 36,000 vulnerability scans per second, accounting for more than half of all internet traffic. Bad bot traffic alone has surged to 37% of all global internet traffic.
  • IoT attacks climbed 11% to 609.9 million hits; Log4j alone generated 824.9 million IPS hits in 2025, four years after disclosure.
  • Identity, cloud, and credential compromise account for 85% of actionable security alerts. The stolen password, not the zero-day, is the attacker’s weapon of choice.
  • SMBs bear a disproportionate ransomware burden: 88% of their breaches involved ransomware in 2025, more than double the rate seen at large enterprises.

“SonicWall data reveals attacks are getting faster, and in some instances, they’re getting a little more sophisticated,” said Michael Crean, SVP and GM of Managed Security Services at SonicWall. “But the vast majority of the attacks that we’re seeing and investigating are basic fundamentals that continue to be missed. The danger isn’t that AI isn’t working; it’s that we’re using it as an excuse not to do the things we already know we should.”

The 2026 SonicWall Cyber Protect Report is the first in the company’s history to be built around protection outcomes rather than threat statistics alone. In preparing this year’s research, SonicWall identified seven recurring patterns, dubbed the Seven Deadly Sins that consistently define the difference between resilience and exposure across SMB breach investigations, security assessments, and incident reviews.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Cybersecurity

Rather than attributing breach risk to exotic or emerging attack methods, the 2026 Protect Report identifies seven operational failures that appear repeatedly across investigations and that remain largely preventable. The Seven Deadly Sins are:

  1. Ignoring the Fundamentals — Weak authentication, unpatched systems, and excessive admin privileges remain the primary attack surface.
  2. False Confidence — Believing you’re too small to be targeted, overestimating control effectiveness, and assuming resilience without testing it create dangerous blind spots.
  3. Overexposed Access — Overly permissive rules, flat networks, and implicit trust after authentication give attackers an unobstructed path once inside.
  4. Reactive Security Posture — Without 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting, attackers set the timeline. The average breach goes undetected for 181 days.
  5. Cost-Driven Security Decisions — Deferring investment based on short-term budget pressure creates costs that arrive later — with interest. A single SMB breach can exceed $4.91 million when downtime and recovery are included.
  6. Reliance on Legacy Access Models — VPNs that authenticate once and grant broad network access remain one of the most exploited entry points in enterprise security. VPN CVEs grew 82.5% over the analyzed period.
  7. Chasing Hype Over Execution — Buying the latest tools without deploying them completely, and expecting technology to compensate for process gaps, is its own form of vulnerability. Tools don’t create outcomes — execution does.

“The organizations that suffer the most are not failing because of sophisticated attacks, they’re failing because of predictable, preventable gaps,” Crean continued. “SMBs are the backbone of the U.S. economy, representing 99% of all U.S. businesses and nearly half of private sector employment. Protecting them protects entire communities. That’s why this report is designed around protection outcomes, not just threat statistics.”

Commenting on the findings, Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Sales, APJ at SonicWall said, “This year’s report reflects what we are consistently seeing across APJ, SMBs continue to be impacted by gaps in fundamental security practices that are both predictable and preventable. By reframing our research around protection outcomes, SonicWall aims to help organizations move beyond threat awareness to action, focusing on the areas that directly reduce risk. As attackers become more precise and increasingly AI-enabled, closing these gaps will be critical for SMBs across the region to strengthen resilience and make more informed decisions.”

In keeping with SonicWall’s partner-first mission, the 2026 Cyber Protect Report is designed to equip MSPs and MSSPs with the data and language needed for strategic conversations with SMB decision-makers, translating technical threat intelligence into business risk that leaders can act on.

The SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report makes one thing clear: the gap between protected and exposed rarely comes down to technology. It comes down to execution. For the SMBs and the MSPs and MSSPs who protect them, this report is designed to close that gap with data, clarity, and a road map for what to do next.

To learn more about SonicWall and download the complete 2026 SonicWall Cyber Protect Report, please visit sonicwall.com/threat-report.
Hashtag: #SonicWall

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Tropicana Twister Builds Homes That Could Change Lives for Generations

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Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.

Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.

“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”

Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”

“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).

More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.

While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.

“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”

With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.

For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.

Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit , and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

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Student bonds are built at SIM from orientation to graduation

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – As universities adapt to hybrid learning and evolving workforce expectations, student relationships are increasingly being treated not as incidental, but as a designed part of the education journey. Across higher education, there is growing recognition that peer interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences contribute to how students learn, work, and transition into employment. This shift is prompting institutions to rethink how engagement is built from the moment students enter campus through to graduation.

From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey

Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.

Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences

Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.

A Diverse and Global Learning Environment

With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.

Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes

The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.

Redefining the University Experience

As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.

Reference:

  1. Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
  2. Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
  3. SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit .

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Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

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WUZHISHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – From April 15 to 19, a series of events at the Wuzhishan sub-venue of Hainan’s Sanyuesan festival took place in full swing, spreading rich ethnic vibes to every corner of the city and drawing passersby — both local residents and tourists — to stop, watch, and take photos.

Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.

“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”

The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.

This year’s activities in Wuzhishan embraced a dynamic model that intertwines rainforest ecology, intangible cultural heritage, fashion, technology, and tourism. Attendees were treated to a festival experience that was engaging, immersive, and visually stunning. Drones illuminated the night sky, tracing ancient Li totems, like the “Gan’gong Bird,” while diverse performances including intangible cultural heritage shows, original dance dramas, and live performances captivated the audience. A 600-seat long buffet table was set up along the water, where visitors savored authentic local flavors, such as sour fish soup and three-color sticky rice, amid the lively atmosphere.

The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.

“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”

Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.

Hashtag: #Sanyuesan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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