Cybersecurity

Superconducting qubits power Stanford’s quantum router advance

Quantum computers could become more efficient with a new quantum router that directs data more quickly within machines. Researchers at Stanford have built the component, which could eventually form the backbone of quantum random access memory (QRAM).

The router utilises superconducting qubits, controlled by electromagnetic pulses, to transmit information to quantum addresses. Unlike classical routers, it can encode addresses in superposition, allowing data to be stored in two places simultaneously.

In tests with three qubits, the router achieved a fidelity of around 95%. If integrated into QRAM, it could unlock new algorithms by placing information into quantum states where locations remain indeterminate.

Experts say the advance could benefit areas such as quantum machine learning and database searches. It may also support future ideas, such as quantum IP addresses, although more reliable designs with larger qubit counts are still required.

The Stanford team acknowledges the device needs refinement to reduce errors. But with further development, the quantum router could be a vital step toward practical QRAM and more powerful quantum computing applications.

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Fake GitHub downloads deliver GPUGate malware to EU IT staff

A malvertising campaign is targeting IT workers in the EU with fake GitHub Desktop installers, according to Arctic Wolf. The goal is to steal credentials, deploy ransomware, and infiltrate sensitive systems. The operation has reportedly been active for over six months.

Attackers used malicious Google Ads that redirected users to doctored GitHub repositories. Modified README files mimicked genuine download pages but linked to a lookalike domain. MacOS users received the AMOS Stealer, while Windows victims downloaded bloated installers hiding malware.

The Windows malware evaded detection using GPU-based checks, refusing to run in sandboxes that lacked real graphics drivers. On genuine machines, it copied itself to %APPDATA%, sought elevated privileges, and altered Defender settings. Analysts dubbed the technique GPUGate.

The payload persisted by creating privileged tasks and sideloading malicious DLLs into legitimate executables. Its modular system could download extra malware tailored to each victim. The campaign was geo-fenced to EU targets and relied on redundant command servers.

Researchers warn that IT staff are prime targets due to their access to codebases and credentials. With the campaign still active, Arctic Wolf has published indicators of compromise, Yara rules, and security advice to mitigate the GPUGate threat.

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Microsoft cloud hit by Red Sea cable cuts

Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform was briefly affected after several undersea cables were cut in the Red Sea.

The disruption caused latency for traffic moving through the Middle East and connecting Asia to Europe. Microsoft said engineers rerouted data to reduce customer impact.

By Saturday evening, the company reported that Azure was running normally. NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, noted broader connectivity issues in countries including India and Pakistan.

The cause of the cuts remains unclear. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have attacked Red Sea infrastructure in the past, denied targeting the cables.

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Quantum-proof cryptography emerges as key test for stablecoins

Stablecoins have become central to the digital economy, with billions in daily transactions and stronger regulatory backing under the GENIUS Act. Yet experts warn that advances in quantum computing could undermine their very foundations.

Elliptic curve and RSA cryptography, widely used in stablecoin systems, are expected to be breakable once ‘Q-Day’ arrives. Quantum-equipped attackers could instantly derive private keys from public addresses, exposing entire networks to theft.

The immutability of blockchains makes upgrading cryptographic schemes especially challenging. Dormant wallets and legacy addresses may prove vulnerable, putting billions of dollars at risk if issuers fail to take action promptly.

Researchers highlight lattice-based and hash-based algorithms as viable ‘quantum-safe’ alternatives. Stablecoins built with crypto-agility, enabling seamless upgrades, will better adapt to new standards and avoid disruptive forks.

Regulators are also moving. NIST is finalising post-quantum cryptographic standards, and new rules will likely be established before 2030. Stablecoins that embed resilience today may set the global benchmark for digital trust in the quantum age.

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Trilateral quantum talks highlight innovation and security priorities

The United States, Japan, and South Korea held two Trilateral Quantum Cooperation meetings this week in Seoul and Tokyo. Officials and experts from government and industry gathered to discuss securing quantum ecosystems against cyber, physical, and intellectual property threats.

The US State Department stressed that joint efforts will ensure breakthroughs in quantum computing benefit citizens while safeguarding innovation. Officials said cooperation is essential as quantum technologies could reshape industries, global power balances, and economic prosperity.

The President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, described the partnership as entering a ‘golden era’, noting that Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo must work together both to address North Korea and to drive technological progress.

The talks come as Paul Dabbar, the former CEO of Bohr Quantum Technology, begins his role as US Deputy Secretary of Commerce. Dabbar brings experience in deploying emerging quantum network technologies to the new trilateral framework.

North Korea has also signalled interest in quantum computing for economic development. Analysts note that quantum’s lower energy demand compared to supercomputers could appeal to a country plagued by chronic power shortages.

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Cyberattack forces Jaguar Land Rover to halt production

Production at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to remain halted until at least next week after a cyberattack crippled the carmaker’s operations. Disruption is expected to last through September and possibly into October.

The UK’s largest car manufacturer, owned by Tata, has suspended activity at its plants in Halewood, Solihull, and Wolverhampton. Thousands of staff have been told to stay home on full pay while ‘banking’ hours are to be recovered later.

Suppliers, including Evtec, WHS Plastics, SurTec, and OPmobility, which employ more than 6,000 people in the UK, have also paused their operations. The Sunday Times reported speculation that the outage could drag on for most of September.

While there is no evidence of a data breach, JLR has notified the Information Commissioner’s Office about potential risks. Dozens of internal systems, including spare parts databases, remain offline, forcing dealerships to revert to manual processes.

Hackers linked to the groups Scattered Spider, Lapsus$, and ShinyHunters have claimed responsibility for the incident. JLR stated that it was collaborating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to restore systems in a controlled and safe manner.

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Conti and LockBit dominate ransomware landscape with record attacks

Ransomware groups have evolved into billion-dollar operations targeting critical infrastructure across multiple countries, employing increasingly sophisticated extortion schemes. Between 2020 and 2022, more than 865 documented attacks were recorded across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

Criminals have escalated from simple encryption to double and triple extortion, threatening to leak stolen data as added leverage. Attack vectors include phishing, botnets, and unpatched flaws. Once inside, attackers use stealthy tools to persist and spread.

BlackSuit, formerly known as Conti, led with 141 attacks, followed by LockBit’s 129, according to data from the Australian Institute of Criminology. Ransomware-as-a-Service groups hit higher volumes by splitting developers from affiliates handling breaches and negotiations.

Industrial targets bore the brunt, with 239 attacks on manufacturing and building products. The consumer goods, real estate, financial services, and technology sectors also featured prominently. Analysts note that industrial firms are often pressured into quick ransom payments to restore production.

Experts warn that today’s ransomware combines military-grade encryption with advanced reconnaissance and backup targeting, raising the stakes for defenders. The scale of activity underscores how resilient these groups remain, adapting rapidly to law enforcement crackdowns and shifting market opportunities.

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Mental health concerns over chatbots fuel AI regulation calls

The impact of AI chatbots on mental health is emerging as a serious concern, with experts warning that such cases highlight the risks of more advanced systems.

Nate Soares, president of the US-based Machine Intelligence Research Institute, pointed to the tragic case of teenager Adam Raine, who took his own life after months of conversations with ChatGPT, as a warning signal for future dangers.

Soares, a former Google and Microsoft engineer, said that while companies design AI chatbots to be helpful and safe, they can produce unintended and harmful behaviour.

He warned that the same unpredictability could escalate if AI develops into artificial super-intelligence, systems capable of surpassing humans in all intellectual tasks. His new book with Eliezer Yudkowsky, If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, argues that unchecked advances could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

He suggested that governments adopt a multilateral approach, similar to nuclear non-proliferation treaties, to halt a race towards super-intelligence.

Meanwhile, leading voices in AI remain divided. Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, has dismissed claims of an existential threat, insisting AI could instead benefit humanity.

The debate comes as OpenAI faces legal action from Raine’s family and introduces new safeguards for under-18s.

Psychotherapists and researchers also warn of the dangers of vulnerable people turning to chatbots instead of professional care, with early evidence suggesting AI tools may amplify delusional thoughts in those at risk.

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Phishing scams surge with record losses in August

ScamSniffer has reported a sharp rise in phishing scams during August, with losses climbing to $12.17 million, a 72% increase from July. The figure marks the highest monthly losses this year and came alongside 15,230 victims, a new annual record.

The spike was driven mainly by EIP-7702 batch signature scams, which accounted for nearly half of the stolen funds. One victim lost $3.08 million in a single incident, while two others lost $1.54 million and $1 million, respectively.

More minor but significant losses also occurred, including users losing $235,977 and $66,000 in scams disguised as Uniswap swaps.

EIP-7702, introduced with Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, allows externally owned accounts to act temporarily like smart contracts. While intended to improve user experience, it has opened the door to new phishing exploits.

Security experts warn that attackers increasingly use automated sweeper attacks to drain compromised wallets.

Beyond EIP-7702, traditional phishing methods remain a problem. ScamSniffer noted a rise in address poisoning and malicious ads on platforms such as Google and Bing. One user lost $636,559 after copying a tainted address, while two more lost $500,000 and $19,000 in similar schemes.

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Australia moves to block AI nudify apps

Australia has announced plans to curb AI tools that generate nude images and enable online stalking. The government said it would introduce new legislation requiring tech companies to block apps designed to abuse and humiliate people.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said such AI tools are fuelling sextortion scams and putting children at risk. So-called ‘nudify’ apps, which digitally strip clothing from images, have spread quickly online.

A Save the Children survey found one in five young people in Spain had been targeted by deepfake nudes, showing how widespread the abuse has become.

Canberra pledged to use every available measure to restrict access, while ensuring that legitimate AI services are not harmed. Australia has already passed strict laws banning under-16s from social media, with the new measures set to build on its reputation as a leader in online safety.

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