iWorld
Google India unveils new initiative for SMBs
MUMBAI: In a bid to provide deeper engagement to small medium businesses (SMBs), who are looking to gain from the rising Internet user base in the country, Google India has launched a new initiative called Google Advantage.
The initiative will entail Google hosting an offline symposium to educate small medium businesses on the benefits of the Internet and also provide one-on-one consultation on how to use the latest online tools and technologies and meet their business objectives.
Speaking about the initiative, Google India head of small medium business marketing Sapna Chadha said, “Small and medium businesses in India have been a strategic focus for Google. In the last four years, we have rolled out several initiatives that are aimed to equip small medium businesses to get an online presence and use the digital platform to grow their business. With this initiative, we wanted to provide SMBs a platform to get direct access to Google and gain through deeper engagement and one-on-one consultations. We expect over 4000 small medium businesses to attend the program this week.”
The initiative in Delhi will be executed in partnership with Google agency partners IPG Mediabrands.
IPG Mediabrands CEO Shashi Sinha said, “We’re delighted to partner with Google for this initiative. Google Advantage is a great platform for small medium businesses to connect and learn about the scope of online medium. There is a huge potential for modernization and adoption of newer marketing technology amongst SMBs in India to grow their business.”
Out of the estimated 51 million small medium businesses, only five – six per cent have online presence. Studies done by Google indicate that at least 20 per cent of India’s SMBs are already equipped with the infrastructure to leverage technology but need the help of digital experts to help them navigate some of the complexities of navigating the constantly changing digital landscape.
The initiative is designed to help small medium businesses get first hand information from Google in a format that will encourage SMBs to share their challenges and learn directly from Google experts. The event will be held in Delhi from 7 – 12 September, 2015 and extend to more cities basis the feedback.
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
