Cybercrime

Cyber and energy leaders meet to harden EU power grid resilience

Europe’s 8th Cybersecurity Forum in Brussels brought together more than 200 officials and operators from energy, cybersecurity and technology to discuss how to protect the bloc’s increasingly digital, decentralised grids. ENISA said strengthening energy infrastructure security is urgent as geopolitics and digitalisation raise risk.

Discussions focused on turning new EU frameworks into real-world protection: the Cyber Resilience Act placing board-level responsibility for security, the NIS2 Directive updating obligations across critical sectors, and the Network Code on Cybersecurity setting common rules for cross-border electricity flows. Speakers pressed for faster implementation, better public-private cooperation and stronger supply-chain security.

Case studies highlighted live threats. Ukraine’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Center warned of the growing threat of hybrid warfare, citing repeated Russian cyberattacks on its power grid dating back to 2015. ENCS demonstrated how insecure consumer-energy devices like EV chargers, PV inverters, and home batteries can be easily exploited when security-by-design measures are absent.

Organisers closed with a call to standardise best practice, improve information sharing and coordinate operators, regulators and suppliers. As DG Energy’s Michaela Kollau noted, the resilience of Europe’s grids depends on a shared commitment to implementing current legislation and sector cybersecurity measures.

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Australian police create AI tool to decode predators’ slang

Australian police are developing an AI tool with Microsoft to decode slang and emojis used by online predators. The technology is designed to interpret coded messages in digital conversations to help investigators detect harmful intent more quickly.

Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said social media has become a breeding ground for exploitation, bullying, and radicalisation. The AI based prototype, she explained, could allow officers to identify threats earlier and rescue children before abuse occurs.

Barrett also warned about the rise of so-called ‘crimefluencers’, offenders using social media trends to lure young victims, many of whom are pre-teen or teenage girls. Australian authorities believe understanding modern online language is key to disrupting their methods.

The initiative follows Australia’s new under-16 social media ban, due to take effect in December. Regulators worldwide are monitoring the country’s approach as governments struggle to balance online safety with privacy and digital rights.

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AUSTRAC cracks down on crypto ATM money laundering risks

Australia’s financial crime regulator, AUSTRAC, has fined crypto ATM operator Cryptolink $56,340 for failing to report large cash transactions on time. The regulator also ordered the company to improve its anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) controls.

AUSTRAC’s Crypto Taskforce identified weaknesses in Cryptolink’s risk assessments and reporting controls, raising concerns about the misuse of crypto ATMs by criminals.

According to AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas, crypto ATMs remain one of the highest-risk channels for money laundering in Australia, often used to launder scam proceeds. He emphasised that operators must take stronger action to prevent criminal exploitation of the sector.

As part of the undertaking, Cryptolink must appoint independent reviewers to assess its compliance systems and validate all large cash transaction reports. Cryptolink must report its remedial progress to AUSTRAC by March 2026, having paid the fine without admitting liability.

Findings from AUSTRAC’s taskforce revealed that 85% of transactions made by the 90 most frequent ATM users were linked to scams or money mule schemes. Authorities will keep monitoring high-risk operators to improve oversight and protect consumers from crypto-related crimes.

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AI-driven cybercrime rises across Asia

Cybersecurity experts met in Dubai for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity meetings. More than 500 participants, including 150 top cybersecurity leaders, discussed how emerging technologies such as AI are reshaping digital security.

UAE officials highlighted the importance of resilience, trust and secure infrastructure as fundamental to future prosperity. Sessions examined how geopolitical shifts and technological advances are changing the cyber landscape and stressed the need for coordinated global action.

AI-driven cybercrime is rising sharply in Japan, with criminals exploiting advanced technology to scale attacks and target data. Recent incidents include a cyber attack on Asahi Breweries, which temporarily halted production at its domestic factories.

Authorities are calling for stronger cross-border collaboration and improved cybersecurity measures, while Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, pledged to enhance cooperation on AI and cybersecurity with regional partners.

Significant global developments include the signing of the first UN cybercrime treaty by 65 nations in Viet Nam, establishing a framework for international cooperation, rapid-response networks and stronger legal protections.

High-profile cyber incidents in the UK, including attacks on Jaguar Land Rover and a nursery chain, have highlighted the growing economic and social costs of cybercrime. These events are prompting calls for businesses to prioritise cyber resilience.

Experts warn that technology is evolving faster than cyber defences, leaving small businesses and less developed regions highly vulnerable. Integrating AI, automation and proactive security strategies is seen as essential to protect organizations and ensure global digital stability.

Cyber resilience is increasingly recognised not just as an IT issue but as a strategic imperative for economic and national security.

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Global alliance strengthens response to crypto crime

Global experts are stepping up efforts to combat the misuse of cryptocurrencies as criminal networks become increasingly sophisticated.

The 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptoassets was held in Vienna and co-organised by Europol, the UNODC and the Basel Institute on Governance. The event brought together over 250 participants and 1,000 online attendees to discuss how to strengthen the global response.

Delegates emphasised the need for unified standards, stronger cooperation and greater investment in training to tackle the evolving threats posed by crypto-enabled crime.

Speakers warned that blockchain misuse has expanded beyond scams to include terrorism financing, sanctions evasion and organised money laundering. Europol’s Burkhard Mühl said tackling these complex crimes needs greater innovation and collaboration.

Advanced tracing tools and successful cross-border operations demonstrate progress, yet significant legislative and capacity gaps remain.

Participants urged harmonised standards and quicker information sharing between financial institutions and virtual asset providers. The Wolfsberg Group noted that private sector collaboration is as vital as public partnerships in disrupting illicit crypto activity.

Building capacity through hands-on training and peer learning was also identified as a priority. According to Elizabeth Andersen of the Basel Institute, equipping agencies with the skills to trace and recover illicit assets can transform how nations respond to crypto-related crime.

Experts agreed that continued dialogue, shared expertise and consistent standards are key to ensuring innovation in blockchain benefits society rather than enabling criminal networks.

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Humanoid robots set to power Foxconn’s new Nvidia server plant in Houston

Foxconn will add humanoid robots to a new Houston plant building Nvidia AI servers from early 2026. Announced at Nvidia’s developer conference, the move deepens their partnership and positions the site as a US showcase for AI-driven manufacturing.

Humanoid systems based on Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T N are built to perceive parts, adapt on the line, and work with people. Unlike fixed industrial arms, they handle delicate assembly and switch tasks via software updates. Goals include flexible throughput, faster retooling, and fewer stoppages.

AI models are trained in simulation using digital twins and reinforcement learning to improve accuracy and safety. On the line, robots self-tune as analytics predict maintenance and balance workloads, unlocking gains across logistics, assembly, testing, and quality control.

Texas, US, offers proximity to a growing semiconductor and AI cluster, as well as policy support for domestic capacity. Foxconn also plans expansions in Wisconsin and California to meet global demand for AI servers. Scaling output should ease supply pressures around Nvidia-class compute in data centres.

Job roles will shift as routine tasks automate and oversight becomes data-driven. Human workers focus on design, line configuration, and AI supervision, with safety gates for collaboration. Analysts see a template for Industry 4.0 factories running near-continuously with rapid changeovers.

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Alliance science pact lifts US–Korea cooperation on AI, quantum, 6G, and space

The United States and South Korea agreed on a broad science and technology memorandum to deepen alliance ties and bolster Indo-Pacific stability. The non-binding pact aims to accelerate innovation while protecting critical capabilities. Both sides cast it as groundwork for a new Golden Age of Innovation.

AI sits at the centre. Plans include pro-innovation policy alignment, trusted exports across the stack, AI-ready datasets, safety standards, and enforcement of compute protection. Joint metrology and standards work links the US Center for AI Standards and Innovation with the AI Safety Institute of South Korea.

Trusted technology leadership extends beyond AI. The memorandum outlines shared research security, capacity building for universities and industry, and joint threat analysis. Telecommunications cooperation targets interoperable 6G supply chains and coordinated standards activity with industry partners.

Quantum and basic research are priority growth areas. Participants plan interoperable quantum standards, stronger institutional partnerships, and secured supply chains. Larger projects and STEM exchanges aim to widen collaboration, supported by shared roadmaps and engagement in global consortia.

Space cooperation continues across civil and exploration programmes. Strands include Artemis contributions, a Korean cubesat rideshare on Artemis II, and Commercial Lunar Payload Services. The Korea Positioning System will be developed for maximum interoperability with GPS.

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Spot the red flags of AI-enabled scams, says California DFPI

The California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) has warned that criminals are weaponising AI to scam consumers. Deepfakes, cloned voices, and slick messages mimic trusted people and exploit urgency. Learning the new warning signs cuts risk quickly.

Imposter deepfakes and romance ruses often begin with perfect profiles or familiar voices pushing you to pay or invest. Grandparent scams use cloned audio in fake emergencies; agree a family passphrase and verify on a separate channel. Influencers may flaunt fabricated credentials and followers.

Automated attacks now use AI to sidestep basic defences and steal passwords or card details. Reduce exposure with two-factor authentication, regular updates, and a reputable password manager. Pause before clicking unexpected links or attachments, even from known names.

Investment frauds increasingly tout vague ‘AI-powered’ returns while simulating growth and testimonials, then blocking withdrawals. Beware guarantees of no risk, artificial deadlines, unsolicited messages, and recruit-to-earn offers. Research independently and verify registrations before sending money.

DFPI advises careful verification before acting. Confirm identities through trusted channels, refuse to move money under pressure, and secure devices. Report suspicious activity promptly; smart habits remain the best defence.

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Europol urges coordinated EU action against caller ID spoofing

Europol calls for a Europe-wide response to caller ID spoofing, which criminals use to impersonate trusted numbers and commit fraud. The practice causes significant harm, with an estimated €850 million lost yearly.

Organised networks now run ‘spoofing as a service’, impersonating banks, authorities or family members, and even staging so-called swatting incidents by making false emergency calls from a victim’s address. Operating across borders, these groups exploit jurisdictional gaps to avoid detection and prosecution.

A Europol survey across 23 countries found major obstacles to implementing anti-spoofing measures, leaving around 400 million vulnerable to these scams.

Law enforcement said weak cooperation with telecom operators, fragmented rules and limited technical tools to identify and block spoofed traffic hinder an adequate response.

Europol has put forward several priorities, including setting up EU-wide technical standards to verify caller IDs and trace fraudulent calls, stronger cross-border cooperation among authorities and industry, and regulatory convergence to enable lawful tracing.

The proposals, aligned with the ProtectEU strategy, aim to harden networks while anticipating evolving scammers’ tactics such as SIM-based scams, anonymous prepaid services and smishing (fraud via fake text messages).

Brussels has begun a phishing awareness campaign alongside enforcement to help users spot and report scams.

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Poland indicts former deputy justice minister in Pegasus spyware case

Poland’s former deputy justice minister, Michał Woś, has been indicted for allegedly authorising the transfer of $6.9 million from a fund intended for crime victims to a government office that later used the money to purchase commercial spyware.

Prosecutors claim the transfer took place in 2017. If convicted, Woś could face up to 10 years in prison.

The indictment is part of a broader investigation into the use of Pegasus, spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group, in Poland between 2017 and 2022. The software was reportedly deployed against opposition politicians during that period.

In April 2024, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that nearly 600 individuals in Poland had been targeted with Pegasus under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, of which Woś is a member.

Responding on social media, Woś defended the purchase, writing that Pegasus was used to fight crime, and “that Prime Minister Tusk and Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek oppose such equipment is not surprising—just as criminals dislike the police, those involved in wrongdoing dislike crime detection tools.”

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