Artificial intelligence

Ransomware 3.0 raises alarm over AI-generated cyber threats

Researchers at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering have demonstrated how large language models can be utilised to execute ransomware campaigns autonomously. Their prototype, dubbed Ransomware 3.0, simulated every stage of an attack, from intrusion to the generation of a ransom note.

The system briefly raised an alarm after cybersecurity firm ESET discovered its files on VirusTotal, mistakenly identifying them as live malware. The proof-of-concept was designed only for controlled laboratory use and posed no risk outside testing environments.

Instead of pre-written code, the prototype embedded text instructions that triggered AI models to generate tailored attack scripts. Each execution created unique code, evading traditional detection methods and running across Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi systems.

The researchers found that the system identified up to 96% of sensitive files and could generate personalised extortion notes, raising psychological pressure on victims. With costs as low as $0.70 per attack using commercial AI services, such methods could lower barriers for criminals.

The team stressed that the work was conducted ethically and aims to help defenders prepare countermeasures. They recommend monitoring file access patterns, limiting outbound AI connections, and developing defences against AI-generated attack behaviours.

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Pressure mounts as Apple prepares AI search push with Google ties

Apple’s struggles in the AI race have been hard to miss. Its Apple Intelligence launch was disappointing, and its reliance on ChatGPT appeared to be a concession to rivals.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now reports that Apple plans to introduce its AI-powered web search tool in spring 2026. The move would position it against OpenAI and Perplexity, while renewing pressure on Google.

The speculation comes after news that Google may integrate its Gemini AI into Apple devices. During an antitrust trial in April, Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed plans to roll out updates later this year.

According to Gurman, Apple and Google finalised an agreement for Apple to test a Google-developed AI model to boost its voice assistant. The partnership reflects Apple’s mixed strategy of dependence and rivalry with Google.

With a strong record for accurate Apple forecasts, Gurman suggests the company hopes the move will narrow its competitive gap. Whether it can outpace Google, especially given Pixel’s strong AI features, remains an open question.

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Google avoids breakup as AI reshapes search and threatens e-commerce traffic

The US tech giant Google will not be forced to divest Chrome or Android following the long-running US monopoly case.

Judge Mehta ruled that while Google holds a monopoly in traditional search, the rise of AI companies is creating new competitive pressures.

The judgement prevents Google from striking exclusive distribution deals but still allows it to pay partners for preloading and placement of its products. The court also ordered Google to loosen its control over search data, a move that could enable rivals to build their own AI-driven search tools.

Yet, concerns remain for e-commerce businesses.

Google Zero, the company’s AI-powered search summary, is cutting website traffic by keeping users within Google’s results.

Research shows sharp declines in mobile click-through rates, leaving online retailers uncertain of their future visibility.

Experts warn that zero-click searches are becoming the norm. Businesses are being urged to optimise for Google’s AI overviews, enhance the value of product and review pages, track traffic impacts, and diversify their marketing channels.

While Google has avoided structural remedies, its dominance in search and AI appears far from over.

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Altman questions if social media is dominated by bots

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has sparked debate after admitting he increasingly struggles to distinguish between genuine online conversations and content generated by bots or AI models.

Altman described a ‘strangest experience’ while reading about OpenAI’s Codex model, saying comments instinctively felt fake even though he knew the growth trend was real. He said social media rewards, ‘LLM-speak,’ and astroturfing make communities feel less genuine.

His comments follow an earlier admission that he had never considered the so-called dead internet theory until now, when large language model accounts seemed to be running X. The theory claims bots and artificial content dominate online activity, though evidence of coordinated control is lacking.

Reactions were divided, with some users agreeing that online communities have become increasingly bot-like. Others argued the change reflects shifting dynamics in niche groups rather than fake accounts.

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Teens turn to AI chatbots for support, raising mental health concerns

Mental health experts in Iowa have warned that teenagers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots instead of seeking human connection, raising concerns about misinformation and harmful advice.

The issue comes into focus on National Suicide Prevention Day, shortly after a lawsuit against ChatGPT was filed over a teenager’s suicide.

Jessica Bartz, a therapy supervisor at Vera French Duck Creek, said young people are at a vulnerable stage of identity formation while family communication often breaks down.

She noted that some teens use chatbot tools like ChatGPT, Genius and Copilot to self-diagnose, which can reinforce inaccurate or damaging ideas.

‘Sometimes AI can validate the wrong things,’ Bartz said, stressing that algorithms only reflect the limited information users provide.

Without human guidance, young people risk misinterpreting results and worsening their struggles.

Experts recommend that parents and trusted adults engage directly with teenagers, offering empathy and open communication instead of leaving them dependent on technology.

Bartz emphasised that nothing can replace a caring person noticing warning signs and intervening to protect a child’s well-being.

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AI export rules tighten as the US opens global opportunities

President Trump has signed an Executive Order to promote American leadership in AI exports, marking a significant policy shift. The move creates new global opportunities for US businesses but also introduces stricter compliance responsibilities.

The order establishes the American AI Exports Program, overseen by the Department of Commerce, to develop and deploy ‘full-stack’ AI export packages.

These packages cover everything from chips and cloud infrastructure to AI models and cybersecurity safeguards. Industry consortia will be invited to submit proposals, outlining hardware origins, export targets, business models, and federal support requests.

A central element of the initiative is ensuring compliance with US export control regimes. Companies must align with the Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations, with special attention to restrictions on advanced computing chips.

New guidance warns against potential violations linked to hardware and highlights red flags for illegal diversion of sensitive technology.

Commerce stresses that participation requires robust export compliance plans and rigorous end user screening.

Legal teams are urged to review policies on AI exports, as regulators focus on preventing misuse of advanced computing systems in military or weapons programmes abroad.

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Microsoft brings Anthropic AI into Office 365 as OpenAI tensions rise

The US tech giant Microsoft is expanding its AI strategy by integrating Anthropic’s Claude models into Office 365, adding them to apps like Word, Excel and Outlook instead of relying solely on OpenAI.

Internal tests reportedly showed Anthropic’s systems outperforming OpenAI in specific reasoning and data-processing tasks, prompting Microsoft to adopt a hybrid approach while maintaining OpenAI as a frontier partner.

The shift reflects growing strain between Microsoft and OpenAI, with disputes over intellectual property and cloud infrastructure as well as OpenAI’s plans for greater independence.

By diversifying suppliers, Microsoft reduces risks, lowers costs and positions itself to stay competitive while OpenAI prepares for a potential public offering and develops its own data centres.

Anthropic, backed by Amazon and Google, has built its reputation on safety-focused AI, appealing to Microsoft’s enterprise customers wary of regulatory pressures.

Analysts believe the move could accelerate innovation, spark a ‘multi-model era’ of AI integration, and pressure OpenAI to enhance its technology faster.

The decision comes amid Microsoft’s push to broaden its AI ecosystem, including its in-house MAI-1 model and partnerships with firms like DeepSeek.

Regulators are closely monitoring these developments, given Microsoft’s dominant role in AI investment and the potential antitrust implications of its expanding influence.

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Arm unveils Lumex mobile chips built for AI

UK-based chip designer Arm introduced Lumex, a next-generation chip design explicitly designed to power AI on smartphones, smartwatches, and next-generation PCs.

Arm, whose processor architecture underpins devices from Apple and Nvidia, described Lumex as its most advanced platform yet for real-time AI assistance, communication and on-device personalisation.

Arm’s senior vice-president Chris Bergey said consumers now expect instant, private, seamless AI features instead of gradual improvements.

The Lumex platform combines performance, privacy, and efficiency, allowing partners to use the design as delivered or configure it to their own requirements.

A brand that is part of a broader naming structure includes Neoverse for infrastructure, Niva for PCs, Zena for automotive, and Orbis for the internet of things.

Meanwhile, Arm is reportedly preparing to manufacture its chips, having recruited Amazon’s Rami Sinno, who helped build Trainium and Inferentia, to strengthen its in-house ambitions.

These moves mark a significant moment for Arm, as the company seeks to expand its influence in the AI hardware space and reduce reliance on licensing alone.

With the rise of generative AI, the push for high-performance chips designed around on-device intelligence is becoming central to the future of mobile technology.

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AI in weather forecasting takes centre stage in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi hosted a Weather Summit that explored how AI could transform forecasting and support operations, such as cloud seeding. Experts emphasised that AI enhances analysis but must complement, rather than replace, human judgement.

Discussions focused on Earth-system forecasting using satellite datasets, IoT devices, and geospatial systems. Quality, interoperability, and equitable access to weather services were highlighted as pressing priorities.

Speakers raised questions about public and private sector incentives’ reliability, transparency, and influence on AI. Collaboration across sectors was crucial to strengthening trust and global cooperation in meteorology.

WMO President Dr Abdulla Al Mandous said forecasting has evolved from traditional observation to supercomputing and AI. He argued that integrating models with AI could deliver more precise local forecasts for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.

The summit brought together leaders from UN bodies, research institutions, and tech firms, including Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. Attendees highlighted the need to bridge data gaps, particularly in developing regions, to confront rising climate challenges.

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Older patients report high satisfaction with AI blood pressure support

AI voice agents helped older adults with high blood pressure provide accurate readings from home, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025.

The study involved 2,000 patients, most aged 65 or older, who received automated phone calls in multiple languages prompting them to submit readings. Calls outside safe thresholds or involving symptoms such as chest pain were immediately escalated to clinicians.

Researchers reported improved compliance and accuracy, with 68% of patients meeting blood pressure control standards. The programme also cut costs by nearly 89% compared to nurse-led interventions while boosting Medicare performance ratings.

Patient satisfaction was high, with average scores above nine out of ten. Experts said such AI tools could help close care gaps, particularly for patients with limited access to medical professionals.

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