Development Archives | Page 349 of 549 | Digital Watch Observatory

Fujitsu and RIKEN expand quantum computing with 256 qubits

Fujitsu and RIKEN, a prominent Japanese research institute, have unveiled a new 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, marking a major advancement in quantum computing.

Located at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center, the new machine is designed with high-density techniques, building on a previous model with 64 qubits. However, this increase will allow more complex molecule analysis and improved error correction algorithms.

Unlike its predecessors, this quantum computer will not be exclusive to Fujitsu and RIKEN. Both organisations plan to grant access to global companies and research institutes in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, enabling further innovation across various fields.

Alongside the qubit expansion, the teams have developed a breakthrough in cooling technology, using a dilution refrigerator with advanced thermal design to maintain efficiency.

Fujitsu and RIKEN also aim to enhance the platform’s usability by allowing seamless interaction between quantum and classical computers. This will enable users to run hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

Looking ahead, the two organisations are working on a 1,000-qubit quantum computer, set to be installed next year, and have agreed to continue their partnership until 2029 to foster ongoing development.

While the 256-qubit computer does not yet compete with machines boasting over 1,000 qubits, it represents a crucial step in exploring diverse quantum computing approaches, as some may fail to scale effectively for practical use.

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Google spoofed in sophisticated phishing attack

A sophisticated phishing attack recently targeted Google users, exploiting a well-known email authentication method to bypass security measures.

The attackers sent emails appearing to be from Google’s legitimate address, no-reply@accounts.google.com, and claimed the recipient needed to comply with a subpoena.

The emails contained a link to a Google Sites page, prompting users to log in and revealing a fake legal support page.

What made this phishing attempt particularly dangerous was that it successfully passed both DMARC and DKIM email authentication checks, making it appear entirely genuine to recipients.

In another cyber-related development, Microsoft issued a warning regarding the use of Node.js in distributing malware. Attackers have been using the JavaScript runtime environment to deploy malware through scripts and executables, particularly targeting cryptocurrency traders via malvertising campaigns.

The new technique involves executing JavaScript directly from the command line, making it harder to detect by traditional security tools.

Meanwhile, the US has witnessed a significant change in its disinformation-fighting efforts.

The State Department has closed its Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference group, previously known as the Global Engagement Center, after accusations that it was overreaching in its censorship activities.

The closure, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has sparked criticism, with some seeing it as a victory for foreign powers like Russia and China.

Finally, gig workers face new challenges as the Tech Transparency Project revealed that Facebook groups are being used to trade fake gig worker accounts for platforms like Uber and Lyft.

Sellers offer access to verified accounts, bypassing safety checks, and putting passengers and customers at risk. Despite reports to Meta, many of these groups remain active, with the social media giant’s automated systems failing to curb the activity.

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D3FEND 1.0 brings structured security graphs

MITRE has unveiled its new Cyber Attack–Defense (CAD) tool as part of the D3FEND 1.0 release, offering security teams a structured way to model and counter cyber threats.

The browser‑based interface lets users build ‘D3FEND Graphs’—knowledge graphs grounded in a rich cybersecurity ontology—instead of relying on ad hoc PowerPoint diagrams.

Graph components include Attack nodes (tied to MITRE ATT&CK techniques), Countermeasure nodes (D3FEND defensive measures) and Digital Artifact nodes (elements from the D3FEND artifact ontology).

A drag‑and‑drop canvas enables rapid scene‑setting, while an ‘explode’ feature reveals related attack paths, defences or artefacts drawn from the ontology’s knowledge base.

Organisations can apply the CAD tool across threat intelligence, security engineering, detection scenario planning, incident investigation and risk assessments.

Exports in JSON, TTL or PNG support collaboration, and STIX 2.1 import ensures seamless threat data integration. Users may also extend the underlying ontology to capture emerging techniques.

Built in partnership with the NSA and various defence departments, D3FEND 1.0 and its CAD tool establish a common vocabulary and conceptual framework for cybersecurity operations.

As threats grow ever more complex, a methodical, semantically rigorous approach to modelling defences is set to become indispensable.

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ChatGPT search grows rapidly in Europe

ChatGPT search, the web-accessing feature within OpenAI’s chatbot, has seen rapid growth across Europe, attracting an average of 41.3 million monthly active users in the six months leading up to March 31.

It marks a sharp rise from 11.2 million in the previous six-month period, according to a regulatory filing by OpenAI Ireland Limited.

Instead of operating unnoticed, the service must now report this data under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which defines monthly recipients as users who actively view or interact with the platform.

Should usage cross 45 million, ChatGPT search could be classified as a ‘very large’ online platform and face stricter rules, including transparency obligations, user opt-outs from personalised recommendations, and regular audits.

Failure to follow DSA regulations could lead to serious penalties, up to 6% of OpenAI’s global revenue, or even a temporary ban in the EU for ongoing violations. The law aims to ensure online platforms operate more responsibly and with better oversight in the digital space.

Despite gaining ground, ChatGPT search still lags far behind Google, which handles hundreds of times more queries.

Studies have also raised concerns about the accuracy of AI search tools, with ChatGPT found to misidentify a majority of news articles and occasionally misrepresent licensed content from publishers.

Instead of fully replacing traditional search, these AI tools may still need improvement to become reliable alternatives.

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TSMC struggles to block chip exports to China

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has acknowledged it faces significant challenges in ensuring its advanced chips do not end up with sanctioned entities in China, despite tightening export controls.

The company admitted in its latest annual report that its position as a contract chipmaker limits its visibility into how and where its semiconductors are ultimately used.

Instead of directly selling finished products, TSMC manufactures chips for firms like Nvidia and Qualcomm, which are then integrated into a wide range of devices by third parties.

Α layered supply chain structure like this makes it difficult for the company to guarantee full compliance with export restrictions, especially when intermediaries may divert shipments intentionally.

TSMC halted deliveries to a customer last year after discovering one of its AI chips had been diverted to Huawei, a Chinese tech giant on the US sanctions list. The company promptly notified both Washington and Taipei and has since cooperated with official investigations and information requests.

The US continues to tighten restrictions on advanced chip exports to China, urging companies like TSMC and Samsung to apply stricter scrutiny.

Recently, Washington blacklisted 16 Chinese entities, including firms allegedly linked to the unauthorised transfer of TSMC chips. Despite best efforts, TSMC says there is no assurance it can completely prevent such incidents.

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Meta uses AI to spot teens lying about age

Meta has announced it is ramping up efforts to protect teenagers on Instagram by deploying AI to detect users who may have lied about their age. The technology will automatically place suspected underage users into Teen Accounts, even if their profiles state they are adults.

These special accounts come with stricter safety settings designed for users under 16. Those who believe they’ve been misclassified will have the option to adjust their settings manually.

Instead of relying solely on self-reported birthdates, Meta is using its AI to analyse behaviour and signals that suggest a user might be younger than claimed.

While the company has used this technology to estimate age ranges before, it is now applying it more aggressively to catch teens who attempt to bypass the platform’s safeguards. The tech giant insists it’s working to ensure the accuracy of these classifications to prevent mistakes.

Alongside this new AI tool, Meta will also begin sending notifications to parents about their children’s Instagram settings.

These alerts, which are sent only to parents who have Instagram accounts of their own, aim to encourage open conversations at home about the importance of honest age representation online.

Teen Accounts were first introduced last year and are designed to limit access to harmful content, reduce contact from strangers, and promote healthier screen time habits.

Instead of granting unrestricted access, these accounts are private by default, block unsolicited messages, and remind teens to take breaks after prolonged scrolling.

Meta says the goal is to adapt to the digital age and partner with parents to make Instagram a safer space for young users.

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Apple tries makes climate progress with greener supply chain

Apple has made progress in reducing its environmental impact, according to the company’s own latest environmental progress report.

Its total greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 800,000 metric tons in 2024, marking a 5 percent reduction from the previous year.

Over the last decade, Apple has cut its global emissions by more than 60 percent, an achievement as emissions from other tech firms continue to rise due to the growing demands of AI.

The reduction stems from efforts to use renewable energy, increase recycling, and work with suppliers to cut emissions. Apple reported that its suppliers collectively avoided nearly 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions last year through cleaner energy and improved efficiency.

The company is also tackling highly potent fluorinated gases used in making semiconductors and displays, with all direct display suppliers and 26 semiconductor partners committing to reducing such emissions by at least 90 percent.

Recycled materials played a larger role in Apple’s products in 2024, making up nearly a quarter of all materials used. Notably, 80 percent of the rare earth elements and most of the tungsten, cobalt, and aluminium used came from recycled sources.

Despite these efforts, Apple still generated 15.3 million metric tons of CO₂ last year, though it aims to reduce emissions by 75 percent from 2015 levels by 2030 and eliminate 90 percent by 2050 to meet international climate goals.

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Royal Unibrew embraces hybrid AI-human teams

Denmark’s Royal Unibrew has introduced five AI-generated ‘colleagues’ into its workforce, in a move the brewer describes as a step towards unlocking the full potential of its staff.

Designed by Danish firm Manifold AI, the digital assistants are integrated into daily operations, assisting with tasks such as market analysis, data management, and food pairing. Each AI has a name, backstory and face, which, according to the company, has significantly increased engagement among employees.

The virtual colleagues – named KondiKai, Athena, Prometheus, Moller and Ella – are used across departments via chat and email. Their arrival has helped streamline routine tasks, allowing human employees to focus on creative and strategic work.

According to staff, their input has improved efficiency, particularly by reducing time spent on searching past reports or handling emails. AI agent Athena, for example, assists with real-time market insights and report navigation for Royal Unibrew’s analysts.

While employees have welcomed the AI tools, managers caution that human judgement remains essential.

Marketing director Michala Svane believes the blend of digital and human capabilities can create more agile teams, but others stress the need for critical thinking when relying on machine-generated input.

Experts also raise questions about the long-term effects of such hybrid teams, including the psychological and social dynamics of working alongside AI ‘colleagues’.

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TSMC profits surge despite trade concerns

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) posted a significant jump in quarterly profits, driven by robust demand for AI chips. Net income rose by just over 60% year-on-year to NT$360.7bn (£9.77bn), outpacing analysts’ expectations.

Revenue also grew by 41.6% compared to the same period in 2024, although it dipped slightly from the previous quarter due to weaker smartphone sales.

The world’s largest contract chipmaker has not yet seen any major changes in customer behaviour, including from Apple and Nvidia, despite increasing uncertainty over potential US tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors.

While concerns about trade tensions grow, particularly with former President Donald Trump suggesting the US should reclaim chip production, TSMC says it is continuing with business as usual for now.

Instead of scaling back, TSMC is expanding its investment in the US, with plans to spend up to $160bn. Analysts believe this move could help the firm argue for a more favourable position should tariff negotiations intensify.

The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Wendell Huang, acknowledged the risks posed by changing trade policies but said revenue growth is still expected in the next quarter.

Despite global pressures, TSMC remains optimistic, forecasting revenue between $28.4bn and $29.2bn. Although the company’s shares have fallen more than 20% so far this year, some analysts say the stock is now undervalued and well-positioned to rebound once market conditions stabilise.

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Fake banking apps leave sellers thousands out of pocket

Scammers are using fake mobile banking apps to trick people into handing over valuable items without receiving any payment.

These apps, which convincingly mimic legitimate platforms, display false ‘successful payment’ screens in person, allowing fraudsters to walk away with goods while the money never arrives.

Victims like Anthony Rudd and John Reddock have lost thousands after being targeted while selling items through social media marketplaces. Mr Rudd handed over £1,000 worth of tools from his Salisbury workshop, only to realise the payment notification was fake.

Mr Reddock, from the UK, lost a £2,000 gold bracelet he had hoped to sell to fund a holiday for his children.

BBC West Investigations found that some of these fake apps, previously removed from the Google Play store, are now being downloaded directly from the internet onto Android phones.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute described this scam as an emerging threat, warning that in-person fraud is growing more complex instead of fading away.

With police often unable to track down suspects, small business owners like Sebastian Liberek have been left feeling helpless after being targeted repeatedly.

He has lost hundreds of pounds to fake transfers and believes scammers will continue striking, while enforcement remains limited and platforms fail to do enough to stop the spread of fraud.

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