Around 60 nations, including the United States, endorsed a ‘blueprint for action’ on Tuesday to regulate the responsible use of AI in military settings. The blueprint was unveiled at the second Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul. However, China was among the countries that declined to support the legally non-binding document.
The blueprint builds on discussions from last year’s summit in Amsterdam and outlines concrete steps, such as risk assessments and ensuring human involvement in decisions related to AI in military operations, including nuclear weapons. It also emphasises preventing AI from being used in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups.
The summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, aims to foster global cooperation without being led by a single entity. Despite this, China and approximately 30 other countries refrained from endorsing the document, highlighting differing views among participants on AI’s military use.
As the international community moves forward, discussions on AI in military contexts are expected to continue at the United Nations General Assembly in October. Experts stress that while the blueprint is a step forward, progress must be made carefully to avoid alienating countries from engaging in future talks.
Russia is ramping up its efforts to control the internet by allocating nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to upgrade its web censorship system, known as TSPU. The system, developed by state regulator Roskomnadzor, is designed to filter and block content deemed harmful or illegal by the government. The funding, part of a broader ‘Cybersecurity Infrastructure’ project, will acquire new software and hardware and expand the system’s capabilities.
The initiative is seen as part of Moscow’s broader crackdown on online freedoms, which has intensified since Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The government has been targeting independent media and social media platforms, blocking websites, and cracking down on using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many Russians use to bypass government restrictions. Roskomnadzor has been increasingly influential in blocking access to these tools, with officials planning to enhance the system’s efficiency further.
The TSPU system was introduced under a 2019 law that requires internet service providers to install government-controlled equipment to monitor and manage web traffic. As of late 2022, over 6,000 TSPU devices had been deployed across Russian networks. The new funding will modernise this infrastructure and improve the system’s ability to detect and block VPN services, making it harder for Russians to access uncensored content.
Why does this matter?
While the Kremlin continues to position these measures as necessary for national security, critics see them as a blatant attack on free speech. Digital rights activists, including those from Roskomsvoboda, warn that while new investments in censorship technology will tighten government control, it is unlikely to eliminate access to independent information. Developers of VPNs and other circumvention tools remain determined, stating that innovation and motivation are essential in the ongoing struggle between censorship and free access.
Russia’s battle with VPNs and independent media is part of a broader campaign against what it calls Western information warfare. Despite the government’s efforts to clamp down, demand for alternative ways to access the internet remains high. Developers are working on more resilient tools, even as the state pours resources into strengthening its censorship apparatus. This tug-of-war between government control and free access to information seems set to continue, with both sides ramping up their efforts.
The cyber threat actor known as Konni, previously linked to the North Korean state-sponsored group Kimsuky, has been increasing its cyberespionage operations against targets in South Korea and Russia, according to a recent report by the South Korean cybersecurity firm Genians.
The report highlights that Konni employs consistent tactics, techniques, and procedures in its attacks on Moscow and Seoul, with cyberespionage as the primary objective. Since at least 2021, Konni has targeted entities such as the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Embassy in Indonesia, and various South Korean organisations, including a tax law firm.
One notable incident occurred in January 2022, when Konni targeted Russian embassy diplomats with phishing emails disguised as New Year greetings, aiming to deliver malware. According to Genians, Konni’s malicious activities have been ongoing since 2014. In Russian and South Korean attacks, Konni uses similar methods to connect infected devices to hacker-controlled command servers (C2). Malicious modules are deployed through executable files, and the connection to the C2 server is established via internal commands.
Genians researchers emphasised that while Konni’s attack patterns have remained consistent over the years, the group has been incorporating new, anomalous tactics to enhance the success of their operations. They also noted that understanding the similarities in the group’s attacks across different regions could help security professionals better defend against and attribute these threats.
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has recently updated its Russia General License (GL) 25E, maintaining authorisation for essential and incidental transactions to telecommunications involving the Russian Federation. That license facilitates various internet-based services, including instant messaging, social networking, and e-learning platforms.
It supports the ongoing exchange of communications and allows for the export or reexport of related software, hardware, and technology, provided such transactions comply with the Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations. However, it is important to note that transactions involving significant Russian telecommunications companies designated by OFAC remain unauthorised under this license and must be carefully analysed.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has also issued a critical alert regarding Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions by establishing new overseas branches and subsidiaries of Russian financial institutions. That alert warns that these efforts to open new international branches or subsidiaries should be considered potential red flags for sanction evasion.
Financial institutions and foreign regulators are advised to exercise caution when engaging with these entities, as activities such as maintaining accounts, transferring funds, or providing financial services may carry significant risks of facilitating Russia’s attempts to bypass sanctions.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has warned about a Russian cyber group tied to the military intelligence agency, GRU. Known as Unit 29155 or UNC2589, the group has been accused of launching cyberattacks against NATO and the EU countries, escalating concerns about Russian interference. In a coordinated effort, Germany’s Bundesverfassungsschutz issued the alert in collaboration with the FBI, US cybersecurity agencies, and other international partners.
The warning follows a wave of suspicion across Europe regarding Russian cyber activities, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Germany accused Russia of targeting the Social Democratic Party as well as industries like defence, aerospace, and logistics. These attacks have been attributed to UNC2589, also known by other names such as Cadet Blizzard or Ember Bear.
The cyber group is reportedly involved in espionage and sabotage, with tactics that include defacing websites and leaking stolen data. The GRU unit to which it belongs is notorious for its alleged role in the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in 2018, further cementing its reputation as a severe threat to international security.
The US government indicted two Russian nationals and seized over 30 internet domains on Wednesday, disrupting an operation aimed at influencing the American election. However, an extensive FBI dossier revealed a broader Russian campaign targeting political and social stability in Europe. The 277-page affidavit detailed plans to manipulate politicians, businesspeople, journalists, and influencers in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, with the Kremlin intending to sow division, discredit the US, and undermine support for Ukraine.
Documents showed the Social Design Agency, under the directive of Sergey Kiriyenko, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Vladimir Putin, orchestrated these efforts. The agency used real posts on social media to bypass bot filters and created ‘doppelgänger domains’ that mimicked reputable media outlets like Reuters and Le Monde to spread fake news. Funded by cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, these sophisticated methods aimed to provoke rational and emotional anti-West sentiments, questioning the necessity of supporting Ukraine and criticising Americans.
Germany was identified as particularly vulnerable due to its economic ties with Russia. Russian memos stressed discrediting the USA, Great Britain, and NATO, while convincing Germans to oppose sanctions.
Another operation, ‘International Conflict Incitement,’ focused on escalating tensions in France and Germany, using fake articles and targeted social media posts to create conflicts and destabilise these societies.
Why does it matter?
The findings underscore how pervasive strategic manipulation of public opinion through sophisticated cyber operations is. Through FBI evidence, the depth and breadth of these influence operations to escalate internal tensions and to promote the interests of the Russian Federation are made clear, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions and the sophisticated nature of modern information warfare.
Latvian cybersecurity officials report that politically motivated hackers linked to Russia and Belarus are launching a new wave of cyberattacks against the Latvian government and critical infrastructure websites. The attacks aim to disrupt access rather than steal sensitive data, according to Baiba Kaskina, head of the Latvian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Varis Teivans, deputy manager of Latvian CERT, highlighted this trend two years ago in an interview with Recorded Future News.
In August, the frequency of attacks surged again, likely in response to Latvia’s new aid package to Ukraine, which includes drones and air defense systems. Vineta Sprugaine, a representative of the Latvian State Radio and Television Center, noted that such attacks often coincide with political decisions or holidays.
Most of these incidents involve distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which temporarily slow down targeted websites. Kaskina described the attacks as “very large” in volume and “well customized” to their targets.
Russia-linked hacktivist groups, including NoName057(16) and Anonymous Guys, have claimed responsibility for the recent cyberattacks on Latvian websites, asserting they are retaliating against Latvia for supporting Ukraine. NoName057(16) declared on Telegram, “We continue to punish Russophobic Latvia for aiding the criminal Kyiv regime.”
Baiba Kaskina acknowledged that while Latvia is ‘well prepared’ for these attacks, the constantly evolving tactics of the hackers make them challenging to combat. She described the attacks on Latvia and other Baltic states as part of a ‘hybrid war’ aimed at creating societal panic and eroding trust in government institutions.
According to Lumen Technologies, a Chinese hacking group has exploited a software flaw, compromising several internet companies in the US and abroad. Researchers at Lumen revealed that the hackers targeted a previously unknown vulnerability in Versa Director, a software platform used by Santa Clara-based Versa Networks. The attack began early in June and affected four US firms and one in India.
Versa Networks acknowledged the flaw and urged customers to update their software. Lumen’s researchers believe the hacking campaign was conducted by the Chinese government-backed group, ‘Volt Typhoon.’
Allegedly, the attackers aimed to surveil the customers of the compromised internet companies. Cybersecurity experts warn that such access could enable broad, undetected surveillance.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency added the Versa vulnerability to its list of known exploited weaknesses. Concerns over China’s cyber activities have grown, with US officials noting an increase in the intensity of these efforts. In April, the FBI warned that China was developing the capability to disrupt critical infrastructure.
Meta recently announced that it had detected attempts to hack WhatsApp accounts belonging to US officials from both the Biden and Trump administrations. The company linked these efforts to an Iranian hacker group, APT42, which has previously been connected to breaches in the Trump campaign. Meta described the attempts as a small-scale operation using social engineering tactics, where hackers posed as technical support from major companies like AOL, Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft.
After users flagged these suspicious activities, Meta blocked the accounts and confirmed that none of the targeted WhatsApp accounts had been compromised. The company explained that APT42 is known for deploying surveillance software on victims’ mobile devices, enabling them to access calls and text messages and even activate cameras and microphones without detection.
These hacking attempts are reportedly part of a broader campaign targeting US presidential campaigns earlier this month, just ahead of the upcoming presidential election. While Meta did not disclose the identities of those targeted, it indicated that the hackers focused on political and diplomatic figures, as well as business leaders from several countries, including the US, UK, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Iran.
Meta’s findings underscore the ongoing risks of cyber-attacks targeting political figures and highlight the need for increased vigilance as the US heads into a critical election period.
The collaboration will focus on creating software tailored to Australia’s regulatory environment. Google will contribute its existing open-source vulnerability database and AI services, while CSIRO will apply its research expertise to enhance the project’s outcomes. The goal is to provide customised cybersecurity solutions that align with local laws and promote greater compliance and trust.
The partnership is part of Google’s commitment to invest A$1 billion in Australia over five years, a pledge made in 2021 amidst Australia’s efforts to enforce stricter regulations on global tech companies. The collaboration is seen as a critical step in bolstering the country’s defences against cyber threats.
Why does this matter?
The Australian government has recently imposed stricter requirements on critical infrastructure operators to report and prevent cyberattacks following a series of breaches that compromised the personal data of millions of Australians. The tools developed through this partnership aim to mitigate such risks and ensure the security of essential services.
The findings from this research will be made publicly available, ensuring that critical infrastructure operators can easily access the information and improve their cybersecurity measures.
