Author: TechBrunch
A prominent Italian businessman was targeted by Paragon spyware, according to local news reports. On Thursday, Italian online investigative website Ilpimedia and newspaper La Stampa reported that Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone was among about 90 people who received a notification from WhatsApp in January warning them that they were being targeted by spyware made by Paragon Solutions. It was not immediately clear why Mr. Caltagirone was targeted, and a spokesperson for his holding company, Caltagirone SpA, did not respond to a request for comment. Caltagirone's namesake holding company owns several companies across a variety of industries, including construction, real estate, finance…
Google security researchers say hackers who targeted executives with extortion emails stole data from “dozens of organizations,” one of the first signs that the hacking campaign could be widespread. The tech giant said in a statement shared with TechCrunch on Thursday that the Clop extortion group exploited multiple security vulnerabilities in Oracle's E-Business Suite software and stole large amounts of data from affected organizations. Oracle's E-Business software allows businesses to perform tasks such as storing customer data and employee personnel files. Google said in a corresponding blog post that the hacking activity targeting Oracle customers dates back to at least…
On TechCrunch Disrupt 2025's Space Stage, top investors Celeste Ford, Chris Morales, and Morgan Beller explore where capital is flowing in the space economy and what startups need to stand out. Together, they will take a deep dive into where capital is flowing, what founders must prove to get funding, and how investment strategies are changing as the commercialization of space accelerates. The funding landscape is rapidly evolving as governments and private markets make bigger bets on space. If you are starting or thinking about starting a space tech startup, or are already interested in the future of the space…
Artificial intelligence will not only change the way we work, but also the way we move. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, two industry leaders at the forefront of AI-powered mobility, Sachin Kansal of Uber and Dave Ferguson of Nuro, will take to the AI stage to explore the future of intelligent transportation systems. Together, Kansal and Ferguson will discuss the evolving relationship between AI and mobility: how predictive models and computer vision are improving road safety, why last-mile delivery is a proving ground for autonomy, and what it will take to…
There was little wind on the roof of the MCM Studio building in Manhattan last week as six entrepreneurs graced the stage to promote their businesses. At one point, it was April Wachtel's turn. She made the case for her company Cheeky Cocktails before a panel of judges that included billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper. Men with television cameras surrounded her pitch and broadcast the moment live for Draper's “Shark Tank”-style business competition show, “Meet the Drapers.” The show is in its eighth season, and past winners include leadership platform Balloon and food company It's Skinny. After the show, Wachtel…
President Donald Trump rebutted immigrants during last year's presidential election, pledging an unprecedented number of deportations. According to CNN, in his first eight months, the promises have been changed to figures that include around 350,000 deportations, immigration and customs deportation (about 200,000), customs and border protection (over 132,000), and almost 18,000 self-reports. ICE is on the centre stage with Trump's deportation campaign, raiding homes, workplaces and parks in search of undocumented immigrants. To support that effort, Ice is at his own willingness to use several technologies that allow him to identify and monitor individuals and communities. Below is a summary…
TechCrunch's 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 is almost here, and the pressure is higher than ever. With a $100,000 line, the top 20 early-stage startups know they have to bring their best on the Disrupt stage, October 27-29 at Moscon West in San Francisco. Meanwhile, our VC judges bring sharp questions, deep experience, and a discerning eye to separate the promising from the truly exceptional. Founders can gain invaluable insight into what makes winning pitches and sustainable startups from these veteran VCs. Investors can discover pitch-ready, impactful startups to add to their pipeline. Everyone else can witness the intense startup showdown.…
Former NBA champion, fintech entrepreneur and AI founder Tristan Thompson brings another kind of game that will disrupt TechCrunch in 2025 in Moscon West, San Francisco in October. After more than a decade illuminated the NBA, Thompson shifted his focus from hardwoods to the field of innovation. His latest venture, Tracyai, applies advanced artificial intelligence to sports analysis. Turn real-time data into predictive insights that make athletes, teams and fans alike. Don't miss this fireplace chat where sports meet technology. Sign up now to save up to $444 on your ticket or up to 30% with your group pass. Unlock…
U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) paid $825,000 earlier this year to a company that manufactures vehicles with a variety of technology for law enforcement, including a fake cell phone tower known as “Cell-Site Simulators.” According to public records, the award dated May 8th was “Providing Cell Site Simulator (CSS) vehicles to support the Technical Operations Program for Homeland Security,” and is a change to “additional CSS vehicles.” The agreement was signed with Techops Specialty Vehicles (TOSV), a Maryland-based company. TOSV also signed a similar agreement with ICE for $818,000 in September 2024, indicating the agency-company relationship that pre-Trump administration. TOSV…
Hackers working for the North Korean government have been stolen more than $2 billion in code so far this year, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. On Tuesday, Elliptic published a blog post with this new quote. The company said it was “the largest total on record and hasn't made it for three months yet,” and is based on more than 30 hacks this year. Previous records were in 2022 when North Korea stole $1.35 billion. According to Elliptic, the total amount of stolen codes since 2017 is at least $6 billion. “The actual numbers could be even higher. Accidenting…