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Cast Your Vote: Shape the Future of Tech at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025!
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set for October 27–29 at Moscone West, San Francisco, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers and sessions. The event has announced 20 finalists for breakout and roundtable discussions, with audience voting open until May 30. Attendees can vote for multiple sessions, with the top five in each category being showcased. Notable topics include AI in tech, the space economy, and strategies for startup growth. Participants can also look forward to additional events like TechCrunch Sessions: AI. For updates and details, visit the official TechCrunch website.
Revealed: Court Documents Expose Locations of WhatsApp Victims Targeted by NSO Spyware
The NSO Group faces scrutiny for its spyware, Pegasus, which compromised 1,223 WhatsApp accounts in 2019 across 51 countries, including 456 in Mexico and 100 in India. A recent court document related to Meta-owned WhatsApp’s lawsuit against NSO revealed the extensive targeting of human rights activists and journalists. The hacking campaign occurred in just two months, raising concerns over the spyware’s reach, with many victims unaware of their targeting. WhatsApp won a legal victory against NSO for violating U.S. hacking laws, and further hearings will determine potential financial penalties. NSO Group reportedly severed ties with 10 clients due to misuse.
Ted Schlein’s Ballistic Ventures Secures $100M for Innovative New Fund Launch
Ballistic Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on cybersecurity startups, plans to raise $100 million for its new fund, as indicated by a recent SEC filing. Founded in late 2021 by Ted Schlein, the firm has quickly become influential in the cybersecurity sector, having closed its second fund at $360 million last year. Ballistic emphasizes a hands-on approach, assisting portfolio companies with strategic guidance, hiring, and customer acquisition. The firm has invested in 59 startups, including GetReal Lab, and has recorded six successful exits. The cybersecurity funding market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach $11.6 billion in 2024.
Inside the Trump Administration: Unauthorized Yemen Strikes Discussed in Secret Signal Chat
A recent incident involving the Trump administration’s national security team has raised alarms about communication security. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, was mistakenly included in a confidential Signal chat discussing imminent military plans against Yemen’s Houthis, just hours before airstrikes. Goldberg expressed disbelief at the use of a commercial platform for such sensitive discussions. The National Security Council later confirmed the authenticity of the messages, highlighting significant concerns about security protocols. This incident emphasizes the need for stricter measures in government communications and raises questions about the appropriateness of commercial messaging apps for confidential matters.
PowerSchool Data Breach: Hackers Compromise Complete Historical Records of Students and Teachers
A major cybersecurity breach occurred at PowerSchool, an edtech provider, compromising historical data of students and teachers from multiple U.S. school districts. Hackers accessed sensitive information by exploiting compromised credentials in December, affecting data from the 2009-2010 school year onwards. Reports indicate that personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details were exposed. PowerSchool has not disclosed the number of affected districts and faced criticism for inadequate security measures, including the lack of multi-factor authentication. The company is reviewing the breach’s impact and has implemented measures to prevent further data dissemination.