2024-07-01
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Digital Transformation for the week of July 1, 2024, includes stories from cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This week, listen to the US DoD, which makes adopting new technology easier, debate over fair use of data for AI training, and discuss the latest cyberattacks on Generative AI.
Keywords
#ai #compute #edge #cybersecurity #datamanagement #advancedcomms #sap #oracle #ibm #cloud #diu #supercomputer #alibaba #hpn #ethernet #fedramp #dataprivacy #freeai #aiethics #generativeai #vanna.ai #cve2024 #microsoft #skeletonkey #investment #gpt3 #dotcom #digitalsnail
Ubiquitous Computing
SAP, Oracle, and IBM have achieved record valuations driven by cloud and AI technologies. These legacy software giants are not just adapting, but strategically transforming to stay competitive, leveraging advanced innovations to boost growth and profitability. Their foresight in this transformation highlights the critical role of evolving tech in the industry and reassures us about their future. Read More
The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is at the forefront of accelerating the adoption of commercial technology to solve national security challenges. Its recent approval of new supercomputer cloud services is a testament to this commitment. The move aims to leverage commercial cloud technologies for advanced computing needs, supporting various defense operations and research initiatives across the Department of Defense. Read More
Alibaba Cloud has replaced Nvidia’s interconnect with its Ethernet-based High-Performance Network (HPN) to connect 15,000 GPUs in its data centers. As detailed by engineer Ennan Zhai, this new system enhances data flow for ample language model training, reducing failures and improving efficiency with a dual-plane architecture and custom vapor chamber heat sinks. This shift aims to lower costs and avoid reliance on Nvidia technology. Read More
Artificial Intelligence
FedRAMP has introduced a fast-pass approval process for AI tools, expediting the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies in federal agencies. This initiative aims to streamline the integration of innovative AI solutions while maintaining rigorous security standards, enhancing efficiency, and promoting technological advancements in government operations. Read More
Many are concerned about data privacy as AI development continues—Mustafa Suleyman of Microsoft advocates for free AI systems to promote transparency and innovation. Meanwhile, Perplexity AI faces criticism for alleged plagiarism and misinformation, emphasizing the need for ethical standards and accountability in AI development. Read More
MIT robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks argues that generative AI, while impressive, needs to be more accurately estimated. He emphasizes that the technology, while not yet human-like, has immense potential. This emphasis on the potential of Generative AI can inspire us about its future possibilities and impact on society. Read More
Cybersecurity
A high-severity prompt injection flaw in the Vanna.AI library tracked as CVE-2024-5565, exposes databases to remote code execution (RCE) attacks. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the “ask” function, potentially leading to significant security breaches. Vanna has issued a hardening guide advising users to run the library in a sandboxed environment to mitigate risks. This highlights the dangers of the widespread use of generative AI without proper governance and security measures. Read More
Microsoft has disclosed a new cybersecurity threat, ‘ Skeleton Key AI Jailbreak,’ capable of bypassing authentication systems. This technique could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to networks, posing significant risks to cybersecurity. The disclosure aims to raise awareness and prompt mitigation efforts among organizations worldwide. Read More
Security researchers have identified a new supply chain attack dubbed ‘Polyfill.’ This attack method infects third-party website libraries, potentially compromising visitor data. The Polyfill attack underscores the importance of vetting third-party software for vulnerabilities, making us more cautious about potential security risks. Read More
Embracing Digital Transformation
This week, Darren discusses investing in Generative AI with Jiri Fiala, a VC and managing director of Indigilabs. Where is the money to be made in Generative AI? Is a Dotcom bubble on the way, and what does the future hold? Check out this interview! Also, ED-T the fish has a new friend: our Digital Transformation Snail, Gen-AI, pronounced Jenai. Read More