Cybersecurity

Material-level AI emerges in MIT–DeRucci sleep science collaboration

MIT’s Sensor and Ambient Intelligence group, led by Joseph Paradiso, unveiled ‘FiberCircuits’, a smart-fibre platform co-developed with DeRucci. It embeds sensing, edge inference, and feedback directly in fibres to create ‘weavable intelligence’. The aim is natural, low-intrusion human–computer interaction.

Teams embedded AI micro-sensors and sub-millimetre ICs to capture respiration, movement, skin conductance, and temperature, running tinyML locally for privacy. Feedback via light, sound, or micro-stimulation closes the loop while keeping power and data exposure low.

Sleep science prototypes included a mattress with distributed sensors for posture recognition, an eye mask combining PPG and EMG, and an IMU-enabled pillow. Prototypes were used to validate signal parsing and human–machine coupling across various sleep scenarios.

Edge-first design places most inference on the fibre to protect user data and reduce interference, according to DeRucci’s CTO, Chen Wenze. Collaboration covered architecture, algorithms, and validation, with early results highlighting comfort, durability, and responsiveness suitable for bedding.

Partners plan to expand cohorts and scenarios into rehabilitation and non-invasive monitoring, and to release selected algorithms and test protocols. Paradiso framed material-level intelligence as a path to gentler interfaces that blend into everyday environments.

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UK mobile networks and the Government launch a fierce crackdown on scam calls

Britain’s largest mobile networks have joined the Government to tackle scam calls and texts. Through the second Telecommunications Fraud Charter, they aim to make the UK harder for fraudsters to target.

To achieve this, networks will upgrade systems within a year to prevent foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers. Additionally, advanced call tracing and AI technology will detect and block suspicious calls and texts before they reach users.

Moreover, clear commitments are in place to support fraud victims, reducing the time it takes for help from networks to two weeks. Consequently, victims will receive prompt, specialist assistance to recover quickly and confidently.

Furthermore, improved data sharing with law enforcement will enable them to track down scammers and dismantle their operations. By collaborating across sectors, organised criminal networks can be disrupted and prevented from targeting the public.

Since fraud is the UK’s most reported crime, it causes financial losses and emotional distress. Additionally, scam calls erode public trust in essential services and cost the telecom industry millions of dollars annually.

Therefore, the Telecoms Charter sets measurable goals, ongoing monitoring, and best practice guidance for networks. Through AI tools, staff training, and public messaging, networks aim to stay ahead of evolving scam tactics.

Finally, international collaboration, such as UK-US actions against Southeast Asian fraud centres, complements these efforts.

Overall, this initiative forms part of a wider Fraud Strategy and Government plan to safeguard citizens.

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Bank Indonesia reports over 370 million cyber threat attempts in 2024

Bank Indonesia (BI) has reported more than 370 million attempted cyber threats targeting the country, highlighting the growing exposure linked to Indonesia’s rapid digital transformation.

The central bank also noted a 25% increase in anomalous cyber traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year. Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta stated that the rise in cyber activity underscores the need for all stakeholders to remain vigilant as Indonesia continues to develop its digital infrastructure.

She also added that public trust is essential to sustaining a resilient digital ecosystem, as trust takes a long time to build and can be lost in to moment.

To strengthen cybersecurity and prepare for continued digitalisation, BI has developed the Indonesian Payment System Blueprint (BSPI) 2030, a strategic framework intended to enhance institutional collaboration and reinforce the security of the national payment system.

BI data shows that internet penetration in Indonesia has reached 80.66%, equivalent to approximately 229 million people, surpassing the global average of 68.7% (around 6.66 billion people worldwide).

Filianingsih also emphasised that strengthening digital infrastructure requires cross-sectoral and international cooperation, given the global and rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats.

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New law aims to make the internet safer in Singapore

Singapore’s Parliament has passed the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill, a landmark law designed to provide faster protection and redress for victims of online harm. After over eight hours of debate, MPs approved the Bill, which will establish the Online Safety Commission (OSC) by June 2026, a one-stop agency empowered to direct online platforms, group administrators, and internet service providers to remove harmful content or restrict the accounts of perpetrators.

The move follows findings that social media platforms often take five days or more to act on harmful content reports, leaving victims exposed to harassment and abuse.

The new law introduces civil remedies and enforcement powers for a wide range of online harms, including harassment, doxing, stalking, intimate image abuse, and child exploitation. Victims can seek compensation for lost income or force perpetrators to surrender profits gained from harmful acts.

In severe cases, individuals or entities that ignore OSC orders may face fines of up to S$500,000, and daily penalties may be applied until compliance is achieved. The OSC can also order access blocks or app removals for persistent offenders.

Ministers Josephine Teo, Rahayu Mahzam, and Edwin Tong emphasised that the Bill aims to empower victims rather than punish expression, while ensuring privacy safeguards. Victims will be able to request the disclosure of a perpetrator’s identity to pursue civil claims, though misuse of such data, such as doxing in retaliation, will be an offence. The law also introduces a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring that victims will not have to navigate multiple agencies to seek help.

Singapore joins a small group of nations, such as Australia, that have created specialised agencies for digital safety. The government hopes the OSC will help rebuild trust in online spaces and establish new norms for digital behaviour.

As Minister Teo noted, ‘Our collective well-being is compromised when those who are harmed are denied restitution. By fostering trust in online spaces, Singaporeans can participate safely and confidently in our digital society.’

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Social media platforms ordered to enforce minimum age rules in Australia

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has formally notified major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, that they must comply with new minimum age restrictions from 10 December.

The rule will require these services to prevent social media users under 16 from creating accounts.

eSafety determined that nine popular services currently meet the definition of age-restricted platforms since their main purpose is to enable online social interaction. Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to block underage users may face enforcement measures, including fines of up to 49.5 million dollars.

The agency clarified that the list of age-restricted platforms will not remain static, as new services will be reviewed and reassessed over time. Others, such as Discord, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp, are excluded for now as they do not meet the same criteria.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the new framework aims to delay children’s exposure to social media and limit harmful design features such as infinite scroll and opaque algorithms.

She emphasised that age limits are only part of a broader effort to build safer, more age-appropriate online environments supported by education, prevention, and digital resilience.

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ICC to replace Microsoft Office with European open-source platform

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it will transition from Microsoft Office to Open Desk, a European open-source office platform. The move, first reported by German newspaper Handelsblatt, reflects a broader trend among public institutions seeking to reduce reliance on technology provided by non-European companies.

Euractiv notes that concerns over technological dependence have increased in recent years, particularly since the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term. For the ICC, these concerns are tied to previous tensions with the United States. The former administration imposed sanctions on ICC officials, including Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.

Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported that Microsoft had suspended Khan’s email account, although Microsoft has rejected this claim.

Open Desk is developed by the German Centre for Digital Sovereignty of the Public Administration (Zendis), a publicly owned entity. Zendis is part of a newly established EU-level initiative, founded by four member states, aimed at developing sovereign digital infrastructure across Europe.

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ICRC and Geneva Academy publish joint report on civilian involvement in cyber activities during conflicts

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights have jointly released a report examining how international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to civilian participation in cyber and other digital activities during armed conflicts. The report is based on extensive global research and expert consultations conducted within the framework of their initiative.

The publication addresses key legal issues, including the protection of civilians and technology companies during armed conflict, and the circumstances under which such protections may be at risk. It further analyses the IHL obligations of civilians, such as individuals engaging in hacking, when directly involved in hostilities, as well as the responsibilities of states to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure compliance with IHL by populations under their control.

The report echoes several key messages found in the second chapter of the Geneva Manual, an initiative under the Geneva Dialogue led by the Swiss Government and implemented by DiploFoundation with the support of several partners. The Manual gathers perspectives from non-state stakeholders on the implementation of cyber norms related to the protection of critical infrastructure.

In particular, both documents emphasise the need to minimise civilian harm, clarify responsibilities in cyberspace, and ensure that states and private actors uphold international obligations when digital tools are used during conflict.

The ICRC and Geneva Academy report also offers practical recommendations for governments, technology companies, and humanitarian organisations aimed at limiting civilian involvement in hostilities, minimising harm, and supporting adherence to international humanitarian law.

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EU conference highlights the need for collaboration in digital safety and growth

European politicians and experts gathered in Billund for the conference ‘Towards a Safer and More Innovative Digital Europe’, hosted by the Danish Parliament.

The discussions centred on how to protect citizens online while strengthening Europe’s technological competitiveness.

Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Digitalisation and IT Committee, stated that the event demonstrated the need for the EU to act more swiftly to harness its collective digital potential.

She emphasised that only through cooperation and shared responsibility can the EU match the pace of global digital transformation and fully benefit from its combined strengths.

The first theme addressed online safety and responsibility, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, child protection, and the accountability of e-commerce platforms importing products from outside the EU.

Participants highlighted the importance of listening to young people and improving cross-border collaboration between regulators and industry.

The second theme examined Europe’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Speakers called for more substantial investment, harmonised digital skills strategies, and better support for businesses seeking to expand within the single market.

A Billund conference emphasised that Europe’s digital future depends on striking a balance between safety, innovation, and competitiveness, which can only be achieved through joint action and long-term commitment.

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Australian government highlights geopolitical risks to critical infrastructure

According to the federal government’s latest Critical Infrastructure Annual Risk Review, Australia’s critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable due to global geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain vulnerabilities, and advancements in technology.

The report, released by the Department of Home Affairs, states that geopolitical tensions and instability are affecting all sectors essential to national functioning, such as energy, healthcare, banking, aviation and the digital systems supporting them.

It notes that operational environments are becoming increasingly uncertain both domestically and internationally, requiring new approaches to risk management.

The review highlights a combination of pressures, including cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, climate-related risks and the potential for physical sabotage. It also points to challenges linked to “malicious insiders”, geostrategic shifts and declining public trust in institutions.

According to the report, Australia’s involvement in international policy discussions has, at times, exposed it to possible retaliation from foreign actors through activities ranging from grey zone operations to preparations for state-sponsored sabotage.

It further notes that the effects of overseas conflicts have influenced domestic sentiment and social cohesion, contributing to risks such as ideologically driven vandalism, politically motivated violence and lone-actor extremism.

To address these challenges, the government emphasises the need for adaptable risk management strategies that reflect shifting dependencies, short- and long-term supply chain issues and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The report divides priority risks into two categories: those considered most plausible and those deemed most harmful. Among the most convincing are extreme-impact cyber incidents and geopolitically driven supply chain disruption.

The most damaging risks include disrupted fuel supplies, major cyber incidents and state-sponsored sabotage. The review notes that because critical sectors are increasingly interdependent, disruption in one area could have cascading impacts on others.

Australia currently imports 61 percent of its fuel from the Middle East, with shipments transiting maritime routes that are vulnerable to regional tensions. Many global shipping routes also pass through the Taiwan Strait, where conflict would significantly affect supply chains.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the review aims to increase understanding of the risks facing Australia’s essential services and inform efforts to enhance resilience.

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M&S profits plunge after costly cyberattack

Marks & Spencer says a major cyberattack around Easter forced it to shut its website to orders for about six weeks, disrupting logistics, emptying shelves and sending customers to rivals. The breach also exposed personal data, including names, email and postal addresses, and dates of birth.

The incident was traced to ‘human error’, according to chief executive Stuart Machin. M&S estimated the attack cost around £324 million in lost sales, partly offset by a £100 million insurance payout, and expects a total profit impact of about £136 million for the year.

Home delivery restarted in June, while click and collect returned in August, but fashion, home and beauty recovered more slowly than food as the retailer rebuilt systems and worked through backlogs. M&S says online trading has steadily improved and it expects operations to be fully restored by year-end.

The company has pledged tighter security controls and processes following the attack, which highlighted the vulnerability of retail supply chains to cyber incidents. The attack comes amid a surge in cyber incidents targeting UK retailers, including recent campaigns where hackers posed as IT staff to breach corporate networks.

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