Cybersecurity Archives | Page 283 of 369 | Digital Watch Observatory

OpenAI confident in AGI but faces safety concerns

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the company believes it knows how to build AGI and is now turning its focus towards developing superintelligence. He argues that advanced AI could significantly boost scientific discovery and economic growth. While AGI is often defined as AI that outperforms humans in most tasks, OpenAI and Microsoft also use a financial benchmark—$100 billion in profits—as a key measure.

Despite Altman’s optimism, today’s AI systems still struggle with accuracy and reliability. OpenAI has previously acknowledged that transitioning to a world with superintelligence is far from certain, and controlling such systems remains an unsolved challenge. The company has, however, recently disbanded key safety teams, leading to concerns about its priorities as it seeks further investment.

Altman remains confident that AI will soon make a significant impact on businesses, suggesting that AI agents could enter the workforce and reshape industries in the near future. He insists that OpenAI continues to balance innovation with safety, despite growing scepticism from former staff and industry critics.

Windows 10 users face security risks as support ends

Security concerns are mounting as Windows 10 sees a rise in market share while Windows 11 adoption declines. Microsoft will officially end free security updates and support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, leaving millions of users vulnerable unless they upgrade or pay for extended security updates.

Experts warn that continuing to use Windows 10 beyond its support period poses risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and ransomware. Microsoft strongly recommends switching to Windows 11, which is designed to meet modern security demands, or choosing an alternative operating system.

Cybersecurity professionals urge users not to delay, with ESET‘s Thorsten Urbanski stressing the urgency of upgrading before the deadline to avoid a security crisis. The transition period is quickly closing, making early action essential for those relying on Windows 10.

Digital Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s strategic role in the tech geopolitics

The backdrop for the emergence of digital bamboo diplomacy is the deepening of Sino-American techno-decoupling. As tensions rise between the USA and China, many tech companies are seeking to preserve their supply chains by relocating production facilities to other Asian countries, with Vietnam being a primary location. For instance, Google has shifted the production of its latest Pixel smartphones from China to Vietnam. Similarly, microprocessor giants like Qualcomm have opened research and development centres in the country, and Intel has announced a substantial investment of USD 3.3 billion.

Vietnamese diplomacy is crucial in facilitating this digital shift. Traditional bamboo diplomacy, characterised by its flexibility and adaptability, is now infused with a digital edge.

Digital diplomacy featured high during the meeting on 28 November 2024 of newly appointed ambassadors ov Vietnam, which was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Information and Communications. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam called to active participation on businesses in Vietnam’s digital diplomacy.

An importance of digital diplomacy was highlighted in December during the annual meeting of Vietnamese diplomats. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the vital role of diplomacy in promoting emerging industries such as semiconductors, big data, AI, cloud computing, blockchain technology, cultural industries, and entertainment.

Vietnam’s diplomacy can foster tech priorities through regional initiatives and agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The upcoming UN Cybercrime Convention in 2025, to be signed in Hanoi and named the Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime, is a testament to Vietnam’s growing influence in the digital domain. As Vietnam continues to navigate the complexities of digital diplomacy, it stands poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of technology in Asia.

UK develops first quantum clock for military use

The Ministry of Defence announced that the UK is developing its first quantum clock, a cutting-edge device designed to enhance military intelligence and reconnaissance. Created by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the clock boasts unparalleled precision, losing less than one second over billions of years.

By leveraging quantum mechanics to measure atomic energy fluctuations, the technology reduces reliance on vulnerable GPS systems, offering greater resilience against disruption by adversaries. That marks the UK’s debut in building such a device, with deployment anticipated within five years.

While not the world’s first quantum clock (similar technology was pioneered in the US 15 years ago), the UK effort highlights a growing global race in quantum advancements. Quantum clocks hold potential beyond military applications, impacting satellite navigation, telecommunications, and scientific research.

Countries like the United States and China are heavily investing in quantum technology, seeing its transformative potential. Future UK research aims to miniaturise the quantum clock for broader applications, including integration into military vehicles and aircraft, underscoring its strategic importance in defence and industry.

China proposes export restrictions on vital battery and mineral technologies amidst global trade tensions

China’s Ministry of Commerce has proposed new export restrictions on key technologies for producing lithium and gallium, vital components in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other advanced applications. These measures, announced Thursday, aim to bolster China’s dominant position in processing critical minerals, where it controls 70% of global lithium refining capacity. The proposed rules are open for public comment until 1 February, but no implementation date has been specified.

Industry experts warn the restrictions could disrupt global supply chains. Adam Webb of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence noted that Western lithium producers might struggle to access Chinese technology critical for refining lithium chemicals, potentially delaying production and innovation. Meanwhile, the rules could also complicate the global ambitions of Chinese battery giants like CATL and Gotion by restricting their overseas operations.

The proposed curbs come amid ongoing trade tensions, with Beijing responding to mounting international scrutiny over its control of crucial materials. The measures may deepen competition between China and other nations striving for energy independence and a sustainable transition to EVs if enacted.

Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon denies fraud allegations in US court

Do Kwon, the South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur responsible for the collapse of TerraUSD and Luna currencies, pleaded not guilty to US criminal fraud charges on Thursday. The plea followed his extradition from Montenegro earlier this week.

Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, is accused of orchestrating a multi-billion-dollar fraud scheme that led to an estimated $40 billion loss in cryptocurrency value in 2022. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed a nine-count indictment against Kwon, charging him with securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The indictment claims Kwon deceived investors by falsely promoting TerraUSD as a stablecoin guaranteed to maintain its $1 value. Prosecutors allege that when TerraUSD’s value dropped in 2021, Kwon secretly enlisted a high-frequency trading firm to inflate the token’s price, misleading investors and artificially boosting its sister token, Luna.

These alleged misrepresentations drove substantial investment into Terraform Labs’ products, propelling Luna’s market value to $50 billion by early 2022. However, the scheme unravelled in May 2022 when TerraUSD and Luna crashed, causing turmoil in the broader cryptocurrency market.

Kwon, 33, remains in custody in Manhattan after declining to seek bail during his initial court appearance. His trial is set to begin on 8 January. Kwon has faced mounting legal troubles, including a $4.55 billion settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and a federal jury finding him liable for defrauding investors earlier this year.

His case is part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency figures, including FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried and Celsius Network’s Alex Mashinsky, as US authorities tighten scrutiny over the volatile industry.

US weighs new restrictions on Chinese drones amid security concerns

Due to national security concerns, the US Commerce Department announced plans to consider new rules restricting or banning Chinese-made drones. The proposed regulations, open for public comment until 4 March, aim to safeguard the drone supply chain against potential threats from China and Russia.

Officials warn that adversaries could exploit these devices to access sensitive US data remotely. China dominates the US commercial drone market, with DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, accounting for more than half of all sales.

The Biden administration has already taken steps to curb Chinese drone activity. In December, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring an investigation into whether drones from companies like DJI and Autel Robotics pose unacceptable security risks.

If unresolved within a year, these companies may be barred from launching new products in the US. Additionally, DJI has faced scrutiny over alleged ties to Beijing’s military and accusations of violating the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, claims the company denies.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo hinted at measures similar to those targeting Chinese vehicles, focusing on drones with Chinese or Russian components. While DJI disputes allegations of data transmission and surveillance risks, US lawmakers remain concerned.

The evolving landscape underscores Washington’s broader efforts to address perceived security vulnerabilities in Chinese technology.

Albania’s TikTok ban: Balancing youth protection with free speech and economic impact

In Tirana, Albania, Ergus Katiaj, a small business owner who relies on TikTok to market his nighttime delivery service for snacks, cigarettes, and alcohol, faces an uncertain future. The Albanian government has announced a year-long ban on the social media platform, a move aimed at curbing youth violence.

The ban follows a tragic incident in November where a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed, reportedly after an online clash with a peer. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the decision, announced on 21 December, is to protect young people, but critics argue it threatens free speech and commerce ahead of the May elections.

The ban aligns Albania with a growing list of countries imposing restrictions on TikTok due to concerns over harmful content and its ties to China-based parent company ByteDance. However, business owners like Katiaj fear significant financial losses, as TikTok has been a vital tool for free marketing.

Rights groups and opposition leaders, such as Arlind Qori of the Bashke party, worry the ban sets a troubling precedent for political censorship, particularly in a country where protests against the jailing of political opponents were met with harsh government responses last year.

TikTok has called for urgent clarification from the Albanian government, asserting that reports indicate the videos linked to the tragic incident were uploaded to another platform. Meanwhile, the debate continues, with some viewing the ban as a protective measure for youth and others as an overreach limiting commerce and dissent.

For many, like Katiaj, the ban underscores the broader challenges of balancing public safety with democratic freedoms in Albania.

Malaysia tightens social media oversight with new licensing law

Malaysia’s communications regulator has granted licenses to Tencent’s WeChat and ByteDance’s TikTok under a new social media law designed to combat rising cybercrime. The law, effective from 1 January, mandates that platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia must obtain a license or face legal consequences.

While messaging app Telegram is close to completing the licensing process, Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has just started compliance steps. Other major platforms face scrutiny under the law. X, formerly known as Twitter, claims its user base in Malaysia falls below the 8 million threshold, a claim currently under review by authorities.

Alphabet’s YouTube has not applied for a license, citing concerns about how the law applies to its video-sharing features. The regulator emphasised that non-compliance could lead to investigations and regulatory actions.

The move follows a surge in harmful online content earlier this year, prompting Malaysian authorities to urge tighter monitoring from social media companies. Content related to online scams, child exploitation, cyberbullying, and sensitive topics such as race, religion, and royalty is classified as harmful.

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube reportedly have millions of active users in Malaysia. TikTok has over 28 million users aged 18 and above, highlighting the region’s high stakes of regulatory compliance.

Bitcoin’s value surges past $100,000, Trump victory drives crypto optimism

Bitcoin surged past $100,000 in 2024, more than doubling its value, driven by pivotal regulatory and political developments. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of exchange-traded funds tied to Bitcoin’s spot price marked a significant milestone, attracting mainstream and institutional interest in the cryptocurrency sector.

A broader crypto rally saw Bitcoin gain over 120% and Ethereum rise nearly 50%, boosting the market’s total value to $3.5 trillion. Analysts predict Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by late 2025, solidifying its status as a premier store of value. Enthusiasm for the asset class has extended to corporate treasuries, with firms like MicroStrategy leading the charge.

MicroStrategy’s shares quintupled in 2024, reflecting its substantial Bitcoin holdings. Other companies, including major financial players, are incorporating Bitcoin into their portfolios. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, coupled with his pro-crypto stance, further energised the market.

Despite the rally, challenges persist for smaller crypto miners. Rising energy and hardware costs have limited gains for firms like Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital, which struggled against the year’s bullish trends.