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Eye Health UK Issues Urgent Warning as Shortage of Certified Solar Glasses Puts Eclipse Viewers at Risk

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BATH, UK. August 11th, 2026Eye Health UK is urging the public to take extra care when watching tomorrow’s solar eclipse, warning that limited access to certified solar viewing glasses could leave people at risk of serious and potentially permanent damage to their eyesight.

The UK will experience its most spectacular solar eclipse in a generation when the moon covers 90% to 96% of the sun on 12 August 2026. And, whilst many of us will be keen to watch this celestial event, direct viewing without specialist equipment risks sight-threatening eye damage.

Seventy people suffered serious eye damage[1] following the last major eclipse visible in the UK, with many of these people only glimpsing the sun for a matter of seconds before damage occurred.

Yet, availability of certified solar glasses, those conforming to ISO 12312-2:2015(E) safety standard, is poor. Unlike in 1999, when solar glasses were available from major supermarkets and hundreds of high-street retailers, this year store availability is scarce.

Orders from online retailers are now not guaranteed to arrive until after Wednesday’s spectacle. This has triggered many social media threads with people desperately asking where they can find solar glasses ahead of Wednesday (12th August).

David Cartwright, chair of the charity Eye Health UK, said: “We’re urging people not to be tempted to look at the eclipse without proper protection. If you’re unable to purchase a pair of certified solar glasses, it’s vital you view it indirectly. Failing to protect your eyes whilst looking towards the sun can lead to solar retinopathy, central blind spots, blurred or distorted vision, and light discomfort.”

Anyone who experiences changes to their vision after viewing the eclipse should seek medical attention from an optometrist or healthcare professional right away.

Do’s and don’ts for viewing the eclipse

Eye Health UK says the safest way to view the event is on the television or via an online livestream.

David Cartwright added: “Only view directly if you’re wearing specially designed solar glasses, conforming to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) safety standard, or a welder’s helmet rated No 14 or higher. These should be fitted to your face securely before turning to view the eclipse.

“Check that your certified solar glasses are intact and do not have marks or tears. Don’t be tempted to let your child wear adult-sized solar glasses to view the eclipse. Solar glasses should fit your face well.

“Don’t view the eclipse directly through a telescope, binoculars or camera under any circumstances, including whilst wearing solar glasses.

“NEVER view the eclipse wearing sunglasses, even those with very dark tints.”

An alternative and safe way to view the sun’s disc is by indirect projection using a ‘pinhole camera’ or colander.

David Cartwright explained: “Take two thin, but stiff, pieces of white cardboard. Punch a small, clean pinhole in one piece of cardboard. Don’t make the pinhole too big or you will only have a shaft of sunlight rather than an image of the crescent sun. Stand with your back to the sun, holding up the piece of cardboard with the hole in it. Hold the other piece of cardboard as a ‘screen’ in your other hand and move it until an inverted image of the sun appears on it. To make the image sharper, move the screen closer to the pinhole.

“Remember, do not look directly at the sun through the pinhole.”

Sutton Building Firm Lion and Leinster Earns National Recognition with Checkatrade Awards 2026 Nomination

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SURREY, UK. August 10th, 2026 – Sutton-based building specialist Lion and Leinster Property & Building Services is celebrating after being shortlisted for a Checkatrade Awards 2026 nomination, marking an important milestone for the local company and recognition of its strong customer reputation.

Lion and Leinster Property & Building Services, based in Sutton, has earned the nomination following outstanding feedback and votes from its customers, recognising the company’s commitment to quality workmanship, professionalism and exceptional customer service.

The Checkatrade Awards celebrate the very best tradespeople across the UK, making a nomination a significant achievement in itself.

This nomination adds to Lion and Leinster’s growing list of industry awards and recognitions. While the company is incredibly proud of every accolade it has received, a Checkatrade Award is widely regarded as one of the most respected honours within the home improvement industry. For the Lion and Leinster team, this nomination represents its most significant recognition to date because it reflects the trust, confidence and support of its customers.

Caroline McCarthy, spokesperson for Lion and Leinster Property & Building Services, said: “This nomination means so much to every member of our team because it has come from the people who matter most, our customers.

“Over the years we’ve been honoured to receive several industry awards, and we’re incredibly grateful for every one of them. However, being nominated for a Checkatrade Award feels particularly special. To us, it is our most significant achievement to date because it reflects the trust and support of our customers, whose votes made this nomination possible.

“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. Every project we undertake is built on trust, and this recognition reflects the relationships we’ve built with homeowners across Sutton and the surrounding areas.”

Specialising in extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions, Lion and Leinster has developed a strong reputation for transforming homes while delivering high-quality workmanship and a personal service from start to finish.

Every project is completed with the same care, attention to detail and professionalism that the team would expect in their own homes, with the company’s ‘Trust is our currency’ philosophy in mind.

As a proudly independent Sutton company, Lion and Leinster remains committed to helping local families create more space, add value to their homes and improve the way they live.

Caroline added: “Awards are wonderful, but the greatest achievement is the trust our customers place in us every day. This nomination belongs to everyone who has chosen Lion and Leinster, recommended us to friends and family, and supported our business. Thank you.”

SMEs face growing tax squeeze as legacy COVID debt limits financial headroom

Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance is calling on small businesses to get ahead of upcoming VAT and Corporation Tax bills, warning that pandemic borrowing, rising employment costs and weaker summer cash flow are leaving some firms increasingly dependent on HMRC repayment plans. The company has highlighted five steps SMEs can take to manage tax liabilities before financial pressure intensifies

Small businesses are facing a difficult combination of tax obligations and ongoing financial commitments, with many still repaying borrowing taken on during the pandemic while dealing with higher operating expenses and slower cash coming into the business over the summer.

Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance says it is seeing HMRC Time to Pay arrangements, originally designed as a short-term solution for businesses facing temporary financial pressure, becoming an increasingly permanent feature of small business cash flow management.

According to Purbeck, many SMEs are still repaying Bounce Back Loans (BBLs), Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS) and other liabilities deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combined with higher operating costs, including increases to employer National Insurance contributions, these legacy debts are leaving many businesses with little financial flexibility when major tax bills fall due.

Todd Davison, Managing Director of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance said: “Many of the small businesses we speak to are still carrying debt burdens that date back to the pandemic. Bounce Back Loans, CBILS repayments and liabilities deferred under the COVID-era support measures didn’t disappear, but were simply pushed further down the road. Those commitments are now colliding with higher operating costs, leaving many businesses without enough headroom to absorb a significant VAT or Corporation Tax bill.”

He added that seasonal factors are adding further pressure on SMEs.

“Summer naturally slows cash flow. Finance teams, accountants and the people businesses rely on to approve and settle invoices are often on annual leave, so payments take longer to arrive. An invoice that would normally be paid within a week can easily take three. Businesses already managing HMRC Time to Pay instalments often don’t have that level of flexibility.”

While HMRC’s Time to Pay service remains an important lifeline for viable businesses facing temporary financial difficulty, Purbeck warns that relying on successive repayment plans can indicate deeper financial challenges.

Todd added: “Time to Pay is an invaluable facility, but when one instalment plan is followed by another, it’s often a sign that underlying cash flow pressures haven’t been resolved. Each new tax bill arrives before the previous one has been cleared.”

Five steps businesses can take to manage tax debt

Purbeck recommends that small businesses take the following actions before tax deadlines arrive:

  1. Speak to HMRC before the payment deadline. Businesses that engage with HMRC early are more likely to secure a Time to Pay arrangement and avoid additional penalties or enforcement action.
  2. Don’t allow Time to Pay to become a permanent funding strategy. Repeated repayment arrangements may indicate wider cash flow, pricing or debt management issues that should be reviewed with a professional adviser.
  3. Ring-fence tax liabilities throughout the year. Setting aside VAT receipts and Corporation Tax provisions in a separate account helps businesses treat tax as a planned operating cost rather than an unexpected expense.
  4. Review pandemic-era borrowing. Restructuring or refinancing legacy COVID borrowing may improve cash flow and create enough headroom to meet tax liabilities without resorting to expensive short-term borrowing. Where refinancing requires a personal guarantee, personal guarantee insurance can help protect directors’ personal assets while enabling businesses to access funding.
  5. Seek professional advice early. Tax debt is generally far easier to resolve before payment deadlines are missed or arrears begin to accumulate.

Todd Davison added: “The businesses most likely to navigate the current economic pressures successfully are those that treat tax as a planned, ring-fenced business cost while tackling legacy pandemic debt before it becomes a long-term constraint on growth.”

Businesses Turn to Private Number Plates as Fleet Branding and Longevity Gain Momentum

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SWANSEA, UK. June 30th, 2026 – UK businesses are increasingly buying private number plates for practical and promotional purposes, with Plates4Less reporting that business enquiries and sales more than doubled in 2025 as companies look for new ways to strengthen their identity, manage fleets and make older vehicles appear more up to date.

While many motorists associate personalised registrations with prestige vehicles and personal names, businesses are increasingly using registrations as branding tools, vehicle identifiers and, in some cases, a way of helping older fleet vehicles maintain a more modern and professional appearance and therefore save money.

Plates4Less says it first noticed a significant increase in business-related enquiries during 2022 and the trend has continued to accelerate.

The company reports that business-to-business enquiries and sales more than doubled during 2025 compared with 2024, with demand coming from sole traders, SMEs and larger fleet operators alike.

The increase prompted the launch of a hugely successful dedicated Business Hub, alongside a new Business Number Plate Guide and free Quick Guide designed to help organisations identify branding, fleet and marketing opportunities through personalised registrations.

Tony Clark of Plates4Less, said: “When we first started seeing the increase in 2022, we assumed it might be a short-term trend. Instead, we’ve continued to see growing interest from businesses year after year.

“Business enquiries and sales more than doubled in 2025 compared with 2024, and we’re seeing demand from sectors ranging from tradespeople and logistics firms through to professional services, retailers and online businesses.

“What’s particularly interesting is the variety of reasons. Some businesses are focused on branding, some on fleet management, while others have discovered that a clever registration can become a surprisingly effective marketing tool.”

According to Plates4Less, business registrations generally fall into four categories:

  • Brand and company name registrations
  • Fleet-life extending registrations
  • Investment and asset purchases
  • Humorous and memorable registrations designed to attract attention

Many businesses report that personalised registrations help create a stronger professional image while making vehicles easier to identify around depots, customer sites and company premises.

Others have discovered that registrations can help modernise the appearance of vehicles, reducing pressure to replace perfectly serviceable fleet vehicles purely for image reasons.

However, it is the final category that is generating some of the strongest reactions.

While branding and fleet management remain the primary drivers, Plates4Less says some of the most memorable success stories come from businesses choosing clever, humorous or industry-related registrations.

The company has interviewed business owners using registrations such as C4 PET, DEN 715T, M1 NCE, HU63 OAK and 240 V, who report that customers frequently comment on the plates, photograph them and share them online.

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Several business owners said the registrations had generated conversations, recommendations and social media engagement that far exceeded their expectations.

Tony Clark added: “A clever registration can become a talking point. We regularly hear from businesses whose customers remember the registration long after they’ve forgotten the vehicle itself.

“The best registrations combine branding with personality. They help businesses stand out in crowded markets and often generate conversations that traditional advertising simply doesn’t.”

The company says demand is coming from businesses of all sizes, from sole traders operating a single van through to larger organisations managing extensive fleets.
To support businesses considering a registration for the first time, Plates4Less has also published a free Quick Guide containing practical tips, search strategies and examples of successful business registrations.

Octore Launches New Fund for Independent Anti-Corruption Investigations Across Europe

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. August 10th, 2026 — Octore, the European Association for Corruption and Transnational Research, has launched a new Independent Investigations Fund aimed at strengthening independent reporting and research into foreign-linked corruption and illicit financial activity across Europe. The programme will provide financial support to teams working to uncover complex cross-border networks and document evidence in the public interest.

The Fund will support journalists, nonprofit research organisations and specialist investigators examining hidden ownership, politically connected assets, sanctions evasion and the misuse of European corporate structures.

Corruption connected to authoritarian state power has left a growing trail across Europe. Octore will support investigative work that follows those connections through European company registries, property records and financial systems.

Grants issued through the programme may cover research costs and legal review. Funding can also support data acquisition, translation, digital security and cross-border collaboration between partner teams.

Michael Petrov, Head of International Advocacy at Octore said: “Impunity survives on silence. We are proud to launch this Fund and stand behind the investigators willing to break that silence. This support lets them pursue evidence safely, and it is our job to make sure their findings reach the institutions that can respond.”

Octore will prioritise projects that demonstrate a clear public benefit and a robust research methodology. Applicants must also demonstrate that they can protect sources and manage sensitive material responsibly. Funding decisions will consider both the feasibility of the proposed work and the risks it may create for those involved.

Some projects supported through the Fund may remain confidential until publication. Others may remain confidential indefinitely where security conditions prevent public disclosure.

The Independent Investigations Fund is one of four programmes operated by Octore, alongside the European Kleptocracy Mapping Programme, the Accountability and Evidence Programme and the Public Awareness Initiative.

Roast & Ground Makes Sustainable Workplace Coffee a Year-Round Priority

While Plastic Free July has once again encouraged businesses and individuals to rethink their use of single-use plastics, Roast & Ground is demonstrating that meaningful sustainability goes far beyond a single campaign. The workplace coffee provider continues to support businesses in making more responsible choices throughout the year, combining ethically sourced coffee, lower-waste products, community initiatives and sustainable workplace solutions to help reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality.

Plastic Free July has once again encouraged millions of people and organisations around the world to consider how they can reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Although the annual campaign has now come to an end, the principles behind it continue to influence the way Roast & Ground operates throughout the year.

As a certified B Corporation, Roast & Ground is committed to balancing purpose and profit while creating positive impact for customers, communities and the environment. Every Roast & Ground coffee is either Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance certified, supporting responsible sourcing, farming communities and long-term sustainability throughout the coffee supply chain.

The company also helps customers tackle unnecessary workplace waste through a range of more sustainable options. These include recyclable packaging, reusable and compostable cups, and biodegradable disposables, giving businesses practical alternatives to traditional single-use plastics while maintaining convenience and quality.

Roast & Ground’s sustainability commitments extend beyond its products and services. Through its Fuel Their Day coffee range, the company supports Only A Pavement Away, donating 50p from every pack sold to help people facing homelessness find employment in the hospitality sector. Roast & Ground also supports marine restoration projects through the Marine Conservation Society, recognising the importance of healthy oceans in addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.

“Plastic Free July is a great reminder that small changes can create significant impact,” said Catherine Gray, Joint Managing Director at Roast & Ground. “Whether it’s switching to compostable cups, choosing ethically sourced coffee or reducing packaging waste, every decision matters. Sustainability isn’t a one-month campaign for us. It’s built into the way we do business every day.”

Roast & Ground also partners with businesses that share its commitment to long-term sustainability. One such partner is Rex-Royal, the Swiss coffee machine manufacturer whose sustainability programme focuses on recyclable materials, durable machine design, refurbishment, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation at its production facilities. Designed with longevity in mind, Rex-Royal machines can help businesses reduce waste while extending the useful life of their equipment.

The company’s workplace water solutions provide another way for organisations to reduce their dependence on single-use bottled water. Filtered, refillable hydration systems offer workplaces a more sustainable approach to everyday drinking water and support a more circular refreshment model.

“As a family business, we believe sustainability should be practical, measurable and achievable,” added Catherine Gray. “By combining great coffee with responsible sourcing, trusted partnerships and meaningful community support, we’re helping our customers make choices that are better for people and better for the planet.”

KYND selected for Anthropic programme to strengthen AI-powered cyber risk intelligence for insurers

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LONDON, UK. August 7th, 2026KYND, the cyber risk analytics platform built for insurance, has been selected to participate in Anthropic’s Cyber Verification Programme, giving the company access to advanced AI capabilities for defensive cyber research.

Through the programme, KYND gains access to Claude’s frontier AI models for legitimate defensive research, allowing it to assess whether a weakness is genuinely exploitable and giving insurers a sharper basis for underwriting, pricing and portfolio decisions.

The announcement comes after Hugging Face disclosed what has been reported as the first fully autonomous AI-driven hack, carried out, OpenAI later confirmed, by its own agents after they escaped a test environment.

Anthropic’s programme is designed to address a challenge with AI safeguards, which are intended to prevent malicious activity but can also restrict legitimate defenders. A model that cannot distinguish a defender’s intent from that of an attacker may decline valid security research, while malicious actors do not face the same restrictions. Verification is application-based, organisation-scoped and reviewed by Anthropic, while prohibited uses remain blocked for all users.

Cosmin Elefterescu, Product Leader at KYND, commented: “The capability that makes AI a powerful defensive tool is already being turned on exposed infrastructure at machine speed.

“Anyone who has done serious defensive research knows the frustration of an AI model declining a legitimate request because it cannot tell a defender’s intent from a bad actor’s. Through verification, we remove that obstacle. It means we can ask harder questions of every risk we assess, starting with whether a weakness is genuinely exploitable, and give insurers, brokers and reinsurers answers they can price against.”

Cyber risk analytics has long been effective at identifying where an organisation is exposed, including open ports, unpatched services and misconfigurations. With verified access, KYND will take its analysis further by examining actual exploitability, validating findings at scale so underwriting decisions better reflect real-world risk and portfolios can be stress-tested against vulnerabilities most likely to result in losses.

Elefterescu added: “At KYND, our mission has always been to make complex cyber risk easier to see, understand and manage. As AI reshapes both technology and the threat landscape, accurate, noise-free insight becomes even more important. Being part of this programme helps us deliver exactly that, enabling our partners and their clients to stay ahead of evolving cyber risk with greater visibility and confidence.

“The AI cyber era will favour whoever deploys these capabilities first and most systematically. KYND intends to make sure the advantage sits with defenders, and with the insurers who stand behind them.”

eXroid highlights the importance of everyday wellbeing during National Wellness Month and World Breastfeeding Week

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KENT, UK. August 6th, 2026 – As National Wellness Month and World Breastfeeding Week take place, leading haemorrhoid treatment provider eXroid is reminding people that looking after their health should include both physical and emotional wellbeing. The company is encouraging people to seek reliable advice when concerns arise, access appropriate support and feel comfortable having open conversations about their health.

The awareness campaign focuses on the value of taking care of overall wellbeing, with positive steps helping people build confidence, support quality of life and achieve healthier outcomes throughout different stages of life.

Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Medical Director at eXroid, said: “National Wellness Month is a useful reminder that wellbeing is shaped by the choices we make every day. Eating a balanced diet, keeping active, managing stress and speaking to a healthcare professional when something does not feel right can all contribute to better health over time.

“World Breastfeeding Week also highlights how important it is for mothers to have access to education, understanding and trustworthy information during the early stages of parenthood. Having the right support available can help mothers feel more confident, informed and reassured.

“Creating a supportive environment where families feel able to ask questions and seek trusted advice can help reduce feelings of isolation and strengthen maternal confidence. Emotional wellbeing is an important part of recovery after childbirth and should be considered alongside physical health.”

Both awareness campaigns promote the importance of taking action when concerns arise, rather than allowing them to develop into more significant problems. This could involve making healthier lifestyle choices, speaking with a medical professional, accessing breastfeeding support or simply having an open conversation about a health concern. eXroid believes that early intervention and access to appropriate information can make a positive difference to long-term wellbeing.

Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock added: “People can sometimes put off seeking help because they feel embarrassed, are unsure whether their symptoms warrant attention or hope the problem will resolve on its own.

“Encouraging honest conversations and making trustworthy healthcare information easier to access can help remove some of the barriers that prevent people from seeking support. When individuals know where to turn and feel comfortable asking questions, they are better placed to make informed decisions about their health.

“At eXroid, this approach reflects our commitment to supporting patients through education, compassionate care and evidence-based treatment. By helping people understand their options and feel supported throughout their healthcare journey, we believe more individuals can take proactive steps towards better health and an improved quality of life.”

eXroid is a leading provider of non-invasive haemorrhoid treatment solutions, offering electrotherapy procedures designed to provide safe and effective relief for patients.

With a focus on patient outcomes and quality of life, eXroid continues to develop and provide innovative healthcare solutions for people seeking treatment.

The company is supported by published clinical evidence and recognised by NICE under IPG525. eXroid Technology Ltd is also EU MDR certified, its UK clinical service is rated Outstanding by the CQC, and the company is a recipient of The King’s Award for Innovation.

With more than 5 million people in the UK estimated to experience haemorrhoids each year, eXroid is encouraging people to give equal consideration to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Simple lifestyle choices, including regular walking, can form part of a positive approach to supporting overall health.

For more information, visit the eXroid website.

Vega Launches Detection Skills to Bring AI-Powered Decision Making to Modern Cyber Defense

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LAS VEGAS, Aug. 4, 2026 – During Black Hat USA 2026, Vega, a leader in Agentic Cyber Defense, announced the release of Detection Skills, an open standard designed to help security teams move beyond traditional detection rules. The framework captures the expertise of experienced defenders and transforms it into an AI-driven workflow that continuously improves detection, triage, and investigation. Organizations can access the standard through detectionskills.io or use it directly within the Vega platform, allowing Cyber Defense Engineers to apply consistent security reasoning across their environments while keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated AI-powered threats.

“Cybercriminals using AI can move faster than legacy security technologies were designed to handle,” said Eli Rozen, co-founder and CTO of Vega. “Traditional detection rules are limited because they only recognize attacks that have already been identified. Detection Skills introduces scalable AI reasoning that extends the expertise of skilled Cyber Defense Engineers to every alert as it happens. By making this framework openly available, we hope to strengthen security operations across the industry as threats continue to evolve.”

Responding to a New Generation of Cyber Threats

Rapid advances in frontier AI have dramatically reduced the time and effort required to carry out sophisticated cyberattacks. Operations that once demanded highly trained teams and significant preparation can now be performed in minutes with advanced AI models capable of autonomous intrusion attempts. Meanwhile, many organizations continue to rely on legacy SIEM platforms that focus on recognizing known attack patterns rather than adapting to emerging threats.

Moving Beyond Traditional Detection Rules

Detection Skills represents the next stage of AI-first security operations, much as Sigma established a common format for conventional detection rules. In many organizations, the engineers who develop detections and the analysts responsible for responding to alerts rarely share the same operational context. Valuable expertise is often lost between those stages.

Detection Skills addresses that challenge by building on Anthropic’s Agent Skills framework and embedding investigation, triage, and optimization directly into each detection. This allows the intelligence behind every detection to travel with it, helping security teams:

Accelerate detection and response. Automated triage and investigation begin immediately after a detection is triggered, helping reduce both mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR). Analysts receive evidence-backed workbooks so they can focus only on the alerts requiring human attention.

Expand expert knowledge across every alert. Teams can create a Detection Skill once and apply the same decision-making process consistently across both known and emerging threats. Engineers retain full visibility into the AI’s reasoning, including what information was evaluated, how conclusions were reached, and when changes are proposed for approval.

Integrate with existing security environments. Detection Skills works alongside current security investments without requiring organizations to replace existing tools. The launch includes the Agentic Detection Library, featuring more than 50 Detection Skills developed by Vega Research and ecosystem partners, along with a sandbox environment for building, testing, exporting, and contributing standards-compliant detections through GitHub.

Vega has already validated Detection Skills in production through its Cyber Defense Platform, which serves as the reference implementation for the standard. Powered by the Security Analytics Mesh (SAM), the platform executes the complete detection and investigation lifecycle directly against enterprise data, whether stored in cloud object storage, legacy SIEM platforms, or data lakes, eliminating the need for costly data migration or additional ingestion.

Detection Skills is available today through detectionskills.io and as a native capability within the Vega platform. The complete framework is being showcased this week at Black Hat USA 2026 in booth 3452.

Supporting Quotes

Rushmere Fernandes, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Peloton

“We adopted Detection Skills early and began by capturing the triage process our own analysts use instead of relying on generic workflows. Every new skill gives us greater control over how AI evaluates alerts, determines escalation, and filters noise. The outcome is a more reliable queue with fewer false positives and transparent reasoning behind every decision.”

Shawn McGhee, Chief Information Security Officer, Exemplar Luxury Group

“Retail organizations experience predictable periods of intense activity, and attackers often take advantage of those moments. Detection Skills allows our expertise to be applied consistently across every alert, even during peak demand. We are implementing the standard and sharing our experience because security teams benefit when knowledge is built collectively.”

Lamont Orange, Chief Information Security and Trust Officer, Cyera

“Cyber defenders are entering an era where AI can strengthen defense just as attackers use it to expand their capabilities. An open, transparent, and auditable standard for detection decision-making creates trust across the industry. We are pleased to adopt Detection Skills and contribute to its continued development.”


Read the announcement:
 https://vega.io/blog/vega-introduces-detection-skills · See it live: vega.io/get-a-demo

David Dye Unveils Futuristic Espionage Novel Rashi, Compelled by AI. Junior, Possessed by Destiny

Fifth spy thriller from the veteran author arrives on 11 September 2026, continuing his acclaimed blend of romance, espionage and supernatural suspense

MILTON KEYNES, UK. August 5th, 2026 – Author David Dye will publish his fifth novel, Rashi, Compelled by AI. Junior, Possessed by Destiny, on 11 September 2026. The latest instalment expands his series of romantic espionage thrillers by introducing a compelling near-future story shaped by artificial intelligence, international intrigue and the supernatural.

Set during the late 2030s, the novel brings together espionage, artificial intelligence, romance and humour with a supernatural dimension. As global tensions move the world closer to a Third World War, an elite intelligence unit receives guidance from the spirit of a former operative determined to help its leader fulfil a higher purpose.

“With Rashi, I wanted to explore the meeting point of artificial intelligence, human courage and destiny. At its heart, the story is about hope, resilience and the choices that define our future.” said David Dye.

Combining fast-moving suspense with an optimistic narrative, the novel examines how technology, courage and meaningful human relationships can overcome even the most uncertain circumstances.

The new release further develops Dye’s connected series of thrillers, each focusing on intelligence operations, political intrigue and memorable characters.

A lifelong Londoner and one of the few remaining true Cockneys, David Dye was raised in West Ham within earshot of the original Bow Bells. Now approaching the age of 80, he has written five novels inspired by his enduring interest in espionage, romance and the strength of the human spirit.

Dye began writing after the death of his wife, turning to fiction as a creative outlet. Instead of completing an autobiography, he found inspiration in Anneliese, a woman he met while travelling on business in the Netherlands. Their friendship, which has spanned decades, became the foundation for the fictional heroine who appears throughout his novels.

Although the stories themselves are fictional, Dye maintains that one element is based on fact: Anneliese served as an undercover agent for a Western nation. Everything else is left for readers to decide. Below is an overview of each of Dye’s novels:

Rashi, Compelled by AI. Junior, Possessed by Destiny

Dye’s newest novel transports readers to a world in the near future where artificial intelligence has reshaped society. As geopolitical conflict intensifies, a covert intelligence team faces increasingly dangerous challenges while receiving unexpected assistance from the Metaphysical Realm. The result is a unique romantic thriller that combines futuristic ideas with humour, suspense and an uplifting sense of hope.

It’s Your Duty to Die

This political thriller envisions a future where Britain’s democracy comes under grave threat after an extremist government takes control. Backed by hostile foreign interests, the new regime introduces increasingly authoritarian policies, prompting the newly established European American Intelligence (EAI) organisation to intervene. Led by Anneliese and her son, Frank Junior, the mission blends espionage, romance and humour while highlighting the importance of defending democratic values.

New Havana Syndrome!

This fast-paced thriller follows a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks that devastate healthcare systems across the Western world while a mysterious neurological illness incapacitates senior government leaders. Intelligence operative Anneliese heads an elite team determined to stop the escalating crisis, confronting international conspiracies, hostage situations and supernatural forces in a desperate race against time.

Anneliese and the Geezer

Acting as a prequel to Cold War, Hot Pursuit, this novel chronicles Anneliese’s first undercover assignment after graduating from university. Sent to infiltrate an organised crime network during the Cold War, she unexpectedly falls in love with the man she has been ordered to expose, forcing her to choose between professional duty and personal devotion.

Cold War, Hot Pursuit

Dye’s debut novel is set in the 1960s and follows a young businessman whose life changes after meeting a woman leading a dangerous double life. Their romance soon becomes entwined with Cold War espionage, leading them into a world of international intrigue, betrayal and survival.

Dye’s latest book, Rashi, Compelled by AI. Junior, Possessed by Destiny, is set to be released on 11th September 2026. It will be available to purchase from major retailers, including AmazonBarnes & Noble, and Walmart

Demonstrating his commitment to giving back, David Dye has pledged to donate all royalties from his latest book to local Hospice charity 

Retailers link: 

It’s Your Duty to Die: AmazonBarnes & NobleWaterstones PaperbackWaterstone HardbackBook Trailer

New Havana Syndrome! AmazonBarnes & NobleWaterstones HardbackWaterstones PaperbackBook Trailer

Anneliese and the GeezerAmazonBarnes & NobleWaterstone PaperbackWaterstone Hardback

Cold war, Hot Pursuit : AmazonBarnes & NobleWaterstones

The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, a company known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature, with book cover design, and book layout by White Magic Studios.