The FBI has warned Windows users about the rising threat of fake Chrome update installers quietly distributing malware when downloaded from unverified sites.
Windows PCs remain especially vulnerable when users sideload these installers based on aggressive prompts or misleading advice.
These counterfeit Chrome updates often bypass security defences, installing malicious software that can steal data, turn off protections, or give attackers persistent access to infected machines.
In contrast, genuine Chrome updates, distributed through the browser’s built‑in update mechanism, remain secure and advisable.
To reduce risk, the FBI recommends that users remove any Chrome software that is not sourced directly from Google’s official site or the browser’s automatic updater.
They further advise enabling auto‑updates and dismissing pop-ups urging urgent manual downloads. This caution aligns with previous security guidance targeting fake installers masquerading as browser or system updates.
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Amazon is shutting down its AI research lab in Shanghai, marking another step in its gradual withdrawal from China. The move comes amid continuing US–China trade tensions and a broader trend of American tech companies reassessing their presence in the country.
The company said the decision was part of a global streamlining effort rather than a response to AI concerns.
A spokesperson for AWS said the company had reviewed its organisational priorities and decided to cut some roles across certain teams. The exact number of job losses has not been confirmed.
Before Amazon’s confirmation, one of the lab’s senior researchers noted on WeChat that the Shanghai site was the final overseas AWS AI research lab and attributed its closure to shifts in US–China strategy.
The team had built a successful open-source graph neural network framework known as DGL, which reportedly brought in nearly $1 billion in revenue for Amazon’s e-commerce arm.
Amazon has been reducing its footprint in China for several years. It closed its domestic online marketplace in 2019, halted Kindle sales in 2022, and recently laid off AWS staff in the US.
Other tech giants including IBM and Microsoft have also shut down China-based research units this year, while some Chinese AI firms are now relocating operations abroad instead of remaining in a volatile domestic environment.
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US federal authorities have issued a joint warning over a spike in ransomware attacks by the Interlock group, which has been targeting healthcare and public services across North America and Europe.
The alert was released by the FBI, CISA, HHS and MS-ISAC, following a surge in activity throughout June.
Interlock operates as a ransomware-as-a-service scheme and first emerged in September 2024. The group uses double extortion techniques, not only encrypting files but also stealing sensitive data and threatening to leak it unless a ransom is paid.
High-profile victims include DaVita, Kettering Health and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Rather than relying on traditional methods alone, Interlock often uses compromised legitimate websites to trigger drive-by downloads.
The malicious software is disguised as familiar tools like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge installers. Remote access trojans are then used to gain entry, maintain persistence using PowerShell, and escalate access using credential stealers and keyloggers.
Authorities recommend several countermeasures, such as installing DNS filtering tools, using web firewalls, applying regular software updates, and enforcing strong access controls.
They also advise organisations to train staff in recognising phishing attempts and to ensure backups are encrypted, secure and kept off-site instead of stored within the main network.
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The flaws, CVE‑2025‑20281 and CVE‑2025‑20337, allow unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary commands at the root level via manipulated API inputs. A third issue, CVE‑2025‑20282, enables arbitrary file uploads to privileged directories.
All three bugs received a maximum severity score of 10/10. Cisco addressed them in 3.3 Patch 7 and 3.4 Patch 2. Despite no confirmed public breaches, the company has reported attempted exploits in the wild and is urging immediate updates.
The global 5G automotive market is expected to grow sharply from $2.58 billion in 2024 to $31.18 billion by 2034, fuelled by the rapid adoption of connected and self-driving vehicles.
A compound annual growth rate of over 28% reflects the strong momentum behind the transition to smarter mobility and safer road networks.
Vehicle-to-everything communication is predicted to lead adoption, as it allows vehicles to exchange real-time data with other cars, infrastructure and even pedestrians.
In-car entertainment systems are also growing fast, with consumers demanding smoother connectivity and on-the-go access to apps and media.
Autonomous driving, advanced driver-assistance features and real-time navigation all benefit from 5G’s low latency and high-speed capabilities. Automakers such as BMW have already begun integrating 5G into electric models to support automated functions.
Meanwhile, the US government has pledged $1.5 billion to build smart transport networks that rely on 5G-powered communication.
North America remains ahead due to early 5G rollouts and strong manufacturing bases, but Asia Pacific is catching up fast through smart city investment and infrastructure development.
Regulatory barriers and patchy rural coverage continue to pose challenges, particularly in regions with strict data privacy laws or limited 5G networks.
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A cyberattack on the Hong Kong Post has been confirmed. Targeting its EC‑Ship online shipping portal, the attack compromised personal address‑book information for approximately 60,000 to 70,000 users.
The data breach included names, physical addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses of both senders and recipients.
The incident, detected late Sunday into Monday, involved an attacker using a legitimate EC‑Ship account to exploit a code vulnerability. Though the system’s security protocols identified unusual activity and suspended the account, the hacker persisted until the flaw was fully patched.
Affected customers received email alerts and were advised to monitor their information closely and alert contacts of potential phishing attempts.
Hong Kong Post is now collaborating with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. It implements a layered cybersecurity solution managed by the government’s Digital Policy Office.
The Postmaster General emphasised that remediation steps have been taken to close the loophole and pledged ongoing infrastructure improvements. An official investigation is underway to reinforce resilience and safeguard user data.
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North Korea is dispatching AI researchers, interns and students to countries such as Russia in an effort to strengthen its domestic tech sector, according to a report by NK News.
The move comes despite strict UN sanctions that restrict technological exchange, particularly in high-priority areas like AI.
Kim Kwang Hyok, head of the AI Institute at Kim Il Sung University, confirmed the strategy in an interview with a pro-Pyongyang outlet in Japan. He admitted that international restrictions remain a major hurdle but noted that researchers continue developing AI applications within North Korea regardless.
Among the projects cited is ‘Ryongma’, a multilingual translation app supporting English, Russian, and Chinese, which has been available on mobile devices since 2021.
Kim also mentioned efforts to develop an AI-driven platform for a hospital under construction in Pyongyang. However, technical limitations remain considerable, with just three known semiconductor plants operating in the country.
While Russia may seem like a natural partner, its own dependence on imported hardware limits how much it can help.
A former South Korean diplomat told NK News that Moscow lacks the domestic capacity to provide high-performance chips essential for advanced AI work, making large-scale collaboration difficult.
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Deputy Minister Nezar Patria says the roadmap aims to clarify the country’s AI market potential, particularly in sectors like health and agriculture, and provide guidance on infrastructure, regulation, and investment pathways.
Already, global tech firms are demonstrating confidence in the country’s potential. Microsoft has pledged $1.7 billion to expand cloud and AI capabilities, while Nvidia partnered on a $200 million AI centre project. These investments align with Jakarta’s efforts to build skill pipelines and computational capacity.
In parallel, Indonesia is pitching into critical minerals extraction to strengthen its semiconductor and AI hardware supply chains, and has invited foreign partners, including from the United States, to invest. These initiatives aim to align resource security with its AI ambitions.
However, analysts caution that Indonesia must still address significant gaps: limited AI-ready infrastructure, a shortfall in skilled tech talent, and governance concerns such as data privacy and IP protection.
The new AI roadmap will bridge these deficits and streamline regulation without stifling innovation.
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The MoU establishes a framework for joint research, curriculum development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to address local priorities and global tech challenges.
This collaboration signals a strategic leap in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey. It emerged during Asia Tech x Singapore 2025, where officials outlined plans for AI training, policy alignment, digital infrastructure support, and e‑governance development.
The partnership builds on Sri Lanka’s broader agenda, including fintech innovation and cybersecurity, to strengthen its national AI ecosystem.
With the formalisation of this MoU, Sri Lanka hopes to elevate its regional and global AI standing. The initiative aims to empower local researchers, cultivate tech talent, and ensure that AI governance and innovation are aligned with ethical and economic goals.
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The agreement was finalised on 21 July by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and science secretary Peter Kyle. It includes a commitment to expand OpenAI’s London office. Research and engineering teams will grow to support AI development and provide assistance to UK businesses and start-ups.
Under the collaboration, OpenAI will share technical insights with the UK’s AI Security Institute to help government bodies better understand risks and capabilities. Planned deployments of AI will focus on public sectors such as justice, defence, education, and national security.
According to the UK government, all applications will follow national standards and guidelines to improve taxpayer-funded services. Peter Kyle described AI as a critical tool for national transformation. ‘AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country,’ he said.
He emphasised its potential to support the NHS, reduce barriers to opportunity, and power economic growth. The deal signals a deeper integration of OpenAI’s operations in the UK, with promises of high-skilled jobs, investment in infrastructure, and stronger domestic oversight of AI development.
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