Critical infrastructure Archives | Page 9 of 173

European Union unveils tech sovereignty plan to boost digital independence

The European Commission has presented a European Technological Sovereignty Package aimed at strengthening Europe’s capacity in semiconductors, AI, cloud infrastructure, and open source technologies.

The package includes two legislative proposals, the Chips Act 2.0 and the Cloud and AI Development Act, alongside an Open Source Strategy and a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy.

The Commission said the measures are designed to support Europe’s ambition to become an AI continent, strengthen digital autonomy, build a more sustainable digital future, and widen choice in core technologies for businesses, citizens, and public administrations.

Rising global demand for computing capacity, driven by the spread of AI, has intensified concerns over Europe’s dependence on non-EU suppliers for core digital technologies. The Commission said the package is intended to reduce structural dependencies and ensure Europe can develop, deploy, and secure the technologies it relies on.

The proposed Chips Act 2.0 aims to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor capabilities, while the Cloud and AI Development Act focuses on expanding cloud and AI infrastructure. The Open Source Strategy is intended to support Europe’s software ecosystem, and the energy roadmap links digitalisation and AI to a more sustainable energy system.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe cannot afford to depend on others for technologies that keep hospitals running, energy grids stable, and services secure. She said the package is about protecting citizens, defending European interests, and making independent technological choices.

Why does it matter?

The package brings several major EU technology priorities under one sovereignty agenda. By linking chips, cloud, AI infrastructure, open source, and energy digitalisation, the Commission is trying to reduce structural dependencies while strengthening Europe’s capacity to build, deploy, and secure critical technologies. The key test will be whether legislative proposals and strategies translate into investment, infrastructure, and industrial scale.

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Anthropic offers ENISA access to advanced AI security model

Anthropic has invited the European Commission to facilitate access for ENISA, the EU agency for cybersecurity, to its cybersecurity-focused AI model Mythos, according to Bloomberg. The invitation followed a meeting between Anthropic and the Commission in San Francisco on 29 May. The EU must now establish a mechanism with appropriate security safeguards before access can be implemented; an ENISA official confirmed the agency does not currently have active access.

Anthropic unveiled Mythos in April, describing it as a model capable of identifying and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities at a level that surpasses most human experts. Bloomberg reported on 2 June that ENISA was set to receive access to the model.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier welcomed the development, saying that access could help authorities build a clearer understanding of potential risks as increasingly capable AI models enter the market. The invitation follows calls from European policymakers and cybersecurity officials for greater access to advanced AI systems and for the development of comparable European capabilities.

Why does it matter?

The emergence of AI models capable of identifying software vulnerabilities at scale is reshaping cybersecurity risk assessments for governments, regulators and critical infrastructure operators. Access to such systems can help authorities better understand their capabilities, evaluate potential threats and develop appropriate safeguards.

For the EU, granting ENISA access to Mythos could support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen preparedness as increasingly powerful cybersecurity-focused AI models become available. The move also highlights a broader challenge: ensuring that public institutions can keep pace with rapidly advancing AI capabilities.

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Supply chain attack compromises Red Hat software packages on npm

Security researchers at Aikido and JFrog identified malicious code in more than 30 software packages published through a verified Red Hat Cloud Services account on npm, the widely used software package repository for developers. The packages are used across cloud application development and are installed by developers and automated systems worldwide.

According to the researchers, the attackers did not initially target individual developers. Instead, evidence suggests they gained access to the automated pipeline used to publish Red Hat Cloud Services packages to npm. Evidence indicates they gained access to the automated pipeline that publishes Red Hat Cloud Services software to npm, allowing them to distribute modified packages through an officially trusted channel. Developers and organisations following standard security practice, only installing software from verified, trusted sources, would have had no reason to suspect these packages.

Systems that installed the affected packages from 1 June onward may have executed hidden malicious code capable of harvesting credentials and transmitting them to the attackers. That code collected a wide range of credentials from the affected machine: access keys for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft cloud services; tokens used in automated software pipelines; passwords stored in cloud-based vaults; and credentials for a range of developer tools. The collected data was then transmitted to the attackers.

Researchers said the malware attempted to disguise its outbound communications by mimicking requests to an Anthropic-related service address, potentially making malicious traffic less conspicuous in network logs. The specific path used does not correspond to any real Anthropic end point, but its appearance in network logs would be inconspicuous at organisations using Anthropic products. Network defenders should treat any automated process contacting that address as a potential indicator of compromise.

The malware also installs persistent background processes that survive system restarts, and embeds hooks into several widely used AI coding assistants and developer tools. Researchers also warned that the malware may delete files if compromised credentials are revoked before the malicious software is fully removed from the affected system. Organisations investigating this incident should remove all traces of the malware before revoking any compromised credentials.

Aikido and JFrog have published a list of affected package versions and recommend treating any system that installed them on or after 1 June 2026 as potentially compromised until investigated.

Why does it matter?

Software supply chain attacks are particularly difficult to defend against because they exploit trusted distribution channels rather than relying on phishing, malware downloads or other forms of user error. In this case, developers and organisations installing software from a verified source could have unknowingly introduced malicious code into their environments.

The incident also highlights growing concerns around the security of software publishing infrastructure. As organisations increasingly depend on open-source components and automated development pipelines, compromises affecting trusted repositories can have far-reaching consequences across cloud environments, development systems and critical digital services.

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Hong Kong launches AI-focused cybersecurity initiatives for 2026

Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office has announced a series of AI-related cybersecurity initiatives for the second half of 2026, following a briefing on cyber resilience and emerging technology risks. The office said it would focus on improving AI security awareness and digital literacy among both organisations and the public.

Planned initiatives include a Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign, organised with the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation, to help enterprises develop secure and compliant AI ecosystems. The Digital Policy Office will also collaborate with industry on an AI x Cybersecurity Challenge focused on AI-powered threat detection, cyber resilience and cybersecurity skills development.

The office said it would continue enterprise support and practical drills, including an enhanced Cybersec One+, the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme and the third Hong Kong Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill. Hong Kong will also consolidate the Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong and the Cybersecurity Symposium into a single Cybersecurity Symposium and Summit in December.

The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau said the volume of cyber threat intelligence related to threats targeting Hong Kong continues to increase. Its Cyber Security Centre analysed more than 330,000 threat intelligence records during the first quarter of 2026, identifying phishing as the most prevalent threat category.

The bureau said it would deepen international law enforcement cooperation, strengthen intelligence sharing with sectors including critical infrastructure, and use AI and big data to improve cyber threat detection, early warning analysis, and incident response. The Hong Kong Police Force and Cyberport have also established the Smart Policing Joint AI Lab to develop technologies for detecting deepfakes and strengthening network defence capabilities.

Why does it matter?

The initiatives reflect growing efforts by governments to address the cybersecurity implications of wider AI adoption. As organisations increasingly integrate AI into business operations, concerns around secure deployment, cyber resilience and workforce readiness are becoming key policy priorities.

The programme also highlights how AI is being used both as a potential source of cyber risk and as a tool for improving threat detection, incident response and cyber defence capabilities.

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Anthropic expands AI cybersecurity programme for critical infrastructure

AI company Anthropic has announced a major expansion of Project Glasswing, an initiative aimed at strengthening the security of critical software through AI-assisted vulnerability detection.

After initially providing access to around 50 organisations, the programme will expand to approximately 150 additional partners across more than 15 countries.

Project Glasswing provides selected organisations with access to Claude Mythos Preview, Anthropic’s cybersecurity-focused AI model. According to Anthropic, participating organisations have identified more than 10,000 high- and critical-severity software vulnerabilities through the programme.

The newly added participants include operators and vendors across critical infrastructure sectors such as power, water, healthcare, communications and hardware manufacturing.

Anthropic argues that increasingly capable AI systems could significantly reshape cybersecurity, creating both new defensive opportunities and new risks. The company says future AI models may enable defenders to identify, analyse and remediate vulnerabilities at greater scale, while also potentially enhancing the capabilities available to malicious actors.

Project Glasswing is intended to help critical organisations adapt before such capabilities become widely accessible.

Alongside the expansion, Anthropic said it plans to provide additional cybersecurity tools, support vulnerability remediation efforts and work with industry, governments and open-source software maintainers to strengthen cyber resilience.

Why does it matter?

The expansion of Project Glasswing highlights the growing role of AI in cybersecurity, particularly in vulnerability discovery and software security testing. As critical infrastructure operators face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, AI-assisted tools may help identify and address security weaknesses more quickly.

At the same time, the initiative reflects broader concerns that advances in AI could benefit both defenders and attackers, increasing the importance of responsible deployment, coordinated security research and resilience planning across critical sectors.

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White House launches new AI security framework for frontier models

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at advancing AI innovation while strengthening cybersecurity protections across government networks and critical infrastructure sectors.

The order directs federal agencies to strengthen cyber defences and expand the use of AI-powered security tools. Several federal departments have been given 30-day deadlines to begin implementing additional protections for national security systems, civilian government networks and critical infrastructure operators.

A central element of the initiative is the creation of an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse that will work with technology companies and infrastructure providers to identify software vulnerabilities, coordinate security research and support faster patch deployment.

Federal officials will also examine funding opportunities for projects focused on advanced AI vulnerability detection and expand cybersecurity recruitment programmes.

The executive order also introduces a voluntary framework for developers of advanced AI models. Under the framework, companies may choose to work with the government to determine whether their systems qualify as frontier AI models and provide secure early access for cybersecurity assessments prior to broader deployment.

Administration officials emphasised that the framework does not create mandatory licensing or government approval requirements for the release of new AI technologies.

Why does it matter?

The order signals a US strategy of accelerating AI development while addressing emerging national security risks, reflecting growing competition among major economies to lead the next generation of advanced technologies.

Its emphasis on voluntary collaboration rather than strict regulation could influence how other countries approach AI governance, innovation and cybersecurity in the years ahead.

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European Commission proposes EU-wide satellite spectrum authorisation system

The European Commission has proposed a new EU-wide authorisation system for mobile satellite services operating in the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band once current licences expire in 2027. The move is intended to strengthen connectivity, resilience, competitiveness and critical communications across the bloc.

Under the proposal, an EU-level selection process would replace the framework introduced in 2008. The European Commission said a single authorisation system across Member States would improve regulatory consistency and enable satellite operators to provide cross-border services more efficiently.

The proposal would reserve one-third of the 2 GHz band for governmental uses, including critical communications, security and defence, through an EU operator associated with the Union’s IRIS² Secure Connectivity programme.

The European Commission said the new framework is intended to support secure, resilient and innovative satellite services while strengthening critical communications capabilities and reducing strategic dependencies. The proposal was presented in Brussels and aligns with broader plans for EU-level satellite spectrum management.

Why does it matter?

Satellite communications are becoming increasingly important for connectivity, emergency response, government communications and critical infrastructure resilience. A harmonised EU authorisation system could simplify cross-border operations for satellite providers while strengthening the bloc’s ability to support secure communications services.

The proposal also reflects broader European efforts to improve resilience in strategic digital and space infrastructure and reduce dependence on external providers in critical sectors.

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NATO formalises cyber partnerships with Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and ESET

NATO has announced strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and ESET during the International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon) in Tallinn, Estonia. The non-commercial agreements are intended to facilitate information sharing, the exchange of best practices and coordination on cyber incidents of mutual concern.

The partnerships follow a commitment made at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, where member states agreed to expand structured cooperation with private-sector cyber companies. Speaking at CyCon, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Cyber and Digital Transformation Jean Charles Ellermann-Kingombe said effective cyber defence depends on both technical capabilities and shared norms, particularly as attacks on critical infrastructure become more frequent and cyber threats evolve.

The three companies bring distinct capabilities: Microsoft operates one of the largest threat intelligence networks globally; Palo Alto Networks specialises in enterprise network and cloud security; and ESET is one of the major providers of endpoint protection with significant presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

The 2026 CyCon edition, themed ‘Securing Tomorrow,’ runs 26–29 May and convenes approximately 800 participants — including policymakers, technical experts, academics, and industry representatives — from 48 countries. The conference is organised annually by NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, based in Tallinn.

Why does it matter?

Governments increasingly rely on cooperation with private-sector cybersecurity companies to identify threats, protect critical infrastructure and respond to cyber incidents. The partnership reflects NATO’s recognition that much of the expertise, threat intelligence and digital infrastructure relevant to cyber defence is operated by industry.

The agreements also signal a broader effort by the alliance to strengthen cyber resilience and improve coordination as cyber threats become more sophisticated and increasingly target both civilian and military systems.

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UK and Poland deepen cyber and defence cooperation under new treaty

The United Kingdom and Poland have agreed a broad package of defence, cybersecurity and security initiatives under a new Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. The agreement strengthens cooperation on defence, sanctions, border security, technology and energy resilience.

Defence cooperation is a central element of the treaty, with both countries planning joint work on missile systems, expanded ammunition production and closer defence-industrial cooperation.

Large-scale military exercises focused on counter-drone operations, electronic warfare and missile defence are also expected to strengthen interoperability between British and Polish forces on NATO’s eastern flank.

Cybersecurity and hybrid threat response feature heavily in the agreement. Britain and Poland plan to coordinate cybersecurity efforts, sanctions enforcement and responses to foreign information manipulation and interference.

A new counter-hybrid working group will support efforts to disrupt hostile state activity, while dedicated cooperation on disinformation aims to strengthen democratic resilience and expose coordinated influence campaigns.

Additional projects include cooperation on irregular migration, maritime security, science and technology, healthcare resilience and clean energy transition. The agreement also includes cooperation on quantum technologies, digital innovation, space security and hydrogen development to strengthen economic and security resilience.

Why does it matter?

The treaty reflects a broader trend in European security policy, where cybersecurity, technology resilience, energy security and defence are increasingly treated as interconnected challenges.

As concerns grow over hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, governments are seeking closer cooperation across both military and civilian domains.

Cooperation on missile production, sanctions enforcement, disinformation response and emerging technologies signals a long-term effort to strengthen Europe’s eastern flank while reducing dependence on fragmented supply chains and external strategic vulnerabilities.

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CrowdStrike disrupts Glassworm botnet targeting software developers worldwide

CrowdStrike has announced the coordinated disruption of the Glassworm botnet, a cyber operation targeting software developers through open-source software supply chains.

Working with Google and the Shadowserver Foundation, the cybersecurity company said it simultaneously disabled four command-and-control channels used by the malware infrastructure.

According to CrowdStrike, Glassworm targeted developers through trojanised VSCode extensions, malicious npm and Python packages, and compromised GitHub repositories containing poisoned code. The campaign affected Windows, macOS, and Linux systems and targeted the theft of developer credentials and the maintenance of persistent access to development environments.

CrowdStrike said the botnet had compromised hundreds of GitHub repositories using stolen developer credentials, posing risks to downstream software supply chains. The company warned that attackers are increasingly targeting developers because compromising a single workstation, repository, or package can spread malicious code across many organisations, services, and users.

The company also highlighted the growing resilience of cybercriminal infrastructure. It said Glassworm combined blockchain technology, peer-to-peer systems, legitimate online services, and traditional servers to make takedown attempts more difficult.

The disruption cuts off the botnet’s known command-and-control channels, but CrowdStrike said organisations should continue checking for compromised developer environments, malicious packages, and exposed credentials.

Why does it matter?

The Glassworm campaign shows how developer tools and open-source ecosystems have become critical attack surfaces. Rather than attacking only large enterprises directly, threat actors can compromise repositories, extensions, libraries, or credentials used by developers and then move through the software supply chain. Such attacks can create cascading risks for cloud services, enterprise software, financial systems, public services, and other organisations that rely on shared code and development infrastructure.

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