Embracing Digital Transformation

Exploring Zero Trust in Security

This week, Darren will be hosting his podcast with two interviews. The first interview will focus on Zero Trust security in 5G, and the second will focus on improving Data Assurance in cloud architectures, focusing on Embracing Zero Trust. By tuning in, you can learn about the latest digital transformations. We had a great month last month, with over 60,000 listens to the podcast. Thank you for sharing with your friends.

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Cybersecurity

Rethinking Cyber Attribution in Hacking

New research by Forescout challenges cyber attribution in hacking incidents, making it difficult to identify culprits accurately. The Sandworm hacking group may not have been involved in the cyber attacks targeting 22 Danish energy organizations in May 2023, which exploited a security flaw in the Zyxel firewall and deployed Mirai botnet variants on infected hosts via an unknown initial access vector. The findings highlight the challenges in attributing cyber threats.

SEC Twitter Hack Sparks Bitcoin Concerns

The US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Twitter account was hacked, with false information posted about Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. The FBI is investigating the hack, and the SEC has confirmed that it resulted from an individual gaining control of the account through a third party. The incident raises concerns over the platform's vulnerability to disinformation. Security analysts express concern over the lack of two-factor authentication, and lawmakers have criticized the SEC for potentially undermining markets.

Ukrainian Man Arrested for Cryptojacking Scheme

Ukrainian authorities, with the help of Europol and a cloud provider, have arrested a 29-year-old man in Mykolaiv for orchestrating a sophisticated cryptojacking scheme. The suspect infiltrated 1,500 accounts belonging to a well-known US company using custom brute-force tools. He created over a million virtual computers to ensure malware operation, earning over $2m in illicit profits. Cryptojacking exploits compromised credentials on cloud platforms, allowing unauthorized use of computing resources to mine cryptocurrencies. The suspect's arrest took place on January 9th.

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Artificial Intelligence

Altman Warns: AI's Rapid Evolution Ahead

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed concern about the rapid penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. He describes it as the fastest technological revolution, highlighting the speed at which society needs to adapt. Altman believes that progress in AI will lead to changes in jobs, but he also thinks it will create new and better opportunities. Altman discusses the need for a global regulatory body to oversee robust AI systems, considering their potential impact on society and geopolitical balance.

Enhancing AI Understanding with FIND Benchmark

One of the challenges with artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks is comprehending how they function. MIT researchers have developed a new AI system that studies and explains neural network behavior to address this issue. This system uses pre-trained language models and enables a better comprehension of neural network computations. Additionally, the researchers have introduced the FIND benchmark to evaluate the accuracy of interpretation techniques. Despite some limitations, the FIND benchmark is a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of interpretability procedures.

AI Solutions in Taiwan and Israel

Taiwan and Israel are using AI to tackle different challenges. Taiwan employed innovative strategies to counter foreign meddling in their elections, using AI tools to flag misleading content, establishing anti-disinformation initiatives, and monitoring the internet for information manipulation. Meanwhile, Israel's military uses an AI system called "the Gospel" to locate targets faster, reducing civilian casualties and identifying Hamas tunnels and missile launchers. Despite concerns about algorithmic errors and the death toll of Palestinian citizens, Israel's use of AI is seen as a potential game-changer in tactical warfare.

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Edge Computing

Smart Home Devices: New Cyber Trust Label

The US and EU have agreed to a joint roadmap for a consumer labeling program for smart home products and connected devices. The program will feature a cyber trust mark on device packaging to indicate compliance with security standards. The Federal Communications Commission is leading the initiative and aims to finalize the policy and standards by the end of 2024. The program will inform consumers about the cybersecurity of IoT devices, promoting awareness and safety.

Project Stardust: Revolutionizing IoT Connectivity

IoT 5G connectivity from space is on the horizon, expanding edge computing beyond traditional brick-and-mortar manufacturing. Iridium Communications has recently launched Project Stardust, a 5G network service leveraging its low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. The service is designed to support 5G services, IoT devices, messaging, emergency services, and asset tracking. Iridium began testing the service in 2023 and plans to launch it commercially in 2026.

2023: A Pivotal Year for IoT

In 2023, IoT saw significant developments such as the EU's NIS2 Cybersecurity Directive, layoffs by major tech players affecting IoT, 5G in space, and sustainability-driven initiatives. Renesas acquired cellular IoT chipmaker Sequans for $249 million, while IoT cloud wars intensified with Google shutting down its IoT Core service. Pragmatic Semiconductor raised $389.3 million, and Samsara became the best-performing IoT stock. India embarked on a national smart meter roll-out, and generative AI and IoT breakthroughs combined to provide guided repair and teach robots with vision systems. Wow! What a year!

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Embracing Digital Transformation

#50 2024-01-15