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How to protect your business from infostealer malware and credential theft

Cybercriminals stole billions of login credentials last year using infostealer malware, putting businesses worldwide at serious risk.

These malicious tools quietly harvest passwords and session tokens from infected devices, often within minutes.

To fight back, companies must use strong multi-factor authentication, store passwords in dedicated managers, and protect devices with advanced endpoint security.

Simple browser-stored logins are no longer safe, and attackers are getting better at bypassing weak defences.

Reducing session lifespans, using hardware-backed logins, and training staff to spot phishing threats are all key to staying secure.

By combining tech with human vigilance, organisations can stay ahead of attackers and safeguard their systems and data.

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OpenAI unveils new image generator in ChatGPT

OpenAI has rolled out an image generator feature within ChatGPT, enabling users to create realistic images with improved accuracy. The new feature, available for all Plus, Pro, Team, and Free users, is powered by GPT-4o, which now offers distortion-free images and more accurate text generation.

OpenAI shared a sample image of a boarding pass, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the new tool.

Previously, image generation was available through DALL-E, but its results often contained errors and were easily identifiable as AI-generated. Now integrated into ChatGPT, the new tool allows users to describe images with specific details such as colours, aspect ratios, and transparent backgrounds.

The update aims to enhance creative freedom while maintaining a higher standard of image quality.

CEO Sam Altman praised the feature as a ‘new high-water mark’ for creative control, although he acknowledged the potential for some users to create offensive content.

OpenAI plans to monitor how users interact with this tool and adjust as needed, especially as the technology moves closer to artificial general intelligence (AGI).

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AI startups in Silicon Valley rethink VC funding with leaner teams and strategic growth

In Silicon Valley, a notable trend is emerging as AI startups achieve significant revenue with leaner teams, challenging traditional venture capital (VC) funding models. Companies, sometimes with as few as 20 employees, are reporting revenues reaching tens of millions, highlighted by their participation in the accelerator Y Combinator (YC).

That shift signifies a transformation in startup dynamics, as many founders desire to scale without relying heavily on VC funding. They use the analogy of summiting Mount Everest with minimal oxygen, comparing it to reducing VC dependency, even in oversubscribed rounds. Raising less capital allows founders to retain greater ownership and flexibility for future business decisions.

The following strategic move is partly informed by past experiences where inflated valuations forced companies to endure ‘down rounds’. Terrence Rohan of Otherwise Fund notes that it’s becoming more common for YC startups to accept less capital than is offered, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of the implications of equity dilution.

However, not everyone endorses this strategy. Parker Conrad, CEO of Rippling, argues that lower funding could hinder a startup’s ability to invest in crucial growth areas like R&D and marketing, which are vital for product development and competitive advantage.

Conrad stresses the importance of substantial funding to accelerate growth, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in market expansion. Despite differing viewpoints, the examples of AI startups like Anysphere and ElevenLabs, which achieved high revenue with minimal staff yet secured significant funding, illustrate the ongoing allure of venture capital.

Overall, a changing perception is taking hold among YC founders, who are now more aware of both the advantages and pitfalls of VC funding. Pursuing capital from elite VC firms is no longer the sole indicator of success.

Instead, these startups favour strategic fundraising, considering the risks of overvaluation and excessive dilution. That shift reflects a broader evolution in the startup ecosystem, balancing lean operations with the potential benefits of venture capital to shape growth and maintain control strategically.

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Google launches advanced Gemini 2.5 AI

Google has unveiled its new Gemini 2.5 AI models, starting with the experimental Gemini 2.5 Pro version.

Described as ‘thinking models’, these AI systems are designed to demonstrate advanced reasoning abilities, including the capacity to analyse information, make logical conclusions, and handle complex problems with context and nuance.

The models aim to support more intelligent, context-aware AI agents in the future.

The Gemini 2.5 models improve on the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking model released in December, offering an enhanced base model and better post-training capabilities.

The Gemini 2.5 Pro model, which has already been rolled out for Gemini Advanced subscribers and is available in Google AI Studio, stands out for its strong reasoning and coding skills. It excels in maths and science benchmarks and can generate fully functional video games from simple prompts.

It is also expected to handle sophisticated tasks, from coding web apps to transforming and editing code. Google’s future plans involve incorporating these ‘thinking’ capabilities into all of its AI models, aiming to enhance their ability to tackle more complex challenges in various fields.

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Ransomware spreads through online conversion tools

The FBI’s Denver Field Office has issued a national warning over a rising cyber threat involving fake file converter websites. These sites, posing as free tools for tasks like converting documents or media formats, are secretly distributing ransomware and malware while appearing to perform legitimate functions.

According to the FBI, users are lured by services that convert files such as ‘.doc’ to ‘.pdf’ or combine image files, but the downloaded output often contains hidden malware.

A recent case revealed that a site impersonating Convertio delivered RedLine Stealer, a dangerous strain that harvests sensitive data from browsers, crypto wallets, and applications like Telegram and Discord.

Security experts have identified multiple malicious domains involved, with active incidents reported in the US, Denver area, just weeks ago.

The FBI urges the public to avoid unknown converter sites, keep antivirus software updated, and use built-in conversion features within trusted apps.

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India demands $601 million from Samsung

Samsung, the largest smartphone manufacturer in India, is under pressure from the Indian government over an alleged tax evasion involving telecom equipment imports.

Authorities claim the company dodged import tariffs between 2018 and 2021 by misclassifying key components it sold to Reliance Jio.

The component in question, the ‘Remote Radio Head,’ was reportedly imported from Korea and Vietnam. While Samsung argues the part does not function as a transceiver and therefore shouldn’t be subject to import duties, Indian officials point to earlier communications from the company describing it as such.

Tax raids carried out in 2021 uncovered internal documents and emails that reportedly support the government’s case. Samsung denies any wrongdoing and insists it followed local laws, citing a disagreement over technical classification rather than deliberate fraud.

The company is now exploring legal options to contest the demand. Meanwhile, seven Samsung executives in India face additional fines totalling $81 million. Reliance Jio, the buyer of the equipment, has not issued a statement.

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PsiQuantum targets functional quantum machine by 2029

Quantum computing firm PsiQuantum is reportedly raising at least $750 million in a new funding round led by BlackRock, pushing the startup’s pre-money valuation to $6 billion.

The round remains ongoing, but it signals strong investor confidence in PsiQuantum’s ambitious timeline to deliver a fully functional quantum computer by 2029, or sooner.

The US, California-based company uses photonics and semiconductor techniques to produce quantum chips in partnership with GlobalFoundries at a facility in New York.

It has also secured collaborations with the governments of Australia and the US to build quantum computers in Brisbane and Chicago.

The Chicago project will anchor the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, marking a major milestone in the commercialisation of quantum technologies.

PsiQuantum faces stiff competition from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia, all of whom are making significant strides in quantum research.

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AI powers Microsoft’s latest security upgrade

Microsoft has launched a new set of AI agents as part of its Security Copilot platform, aiming to automate key cybersecurity tasks like phishing detection, data protection, and identity management. The release includes six in-house agents and five developed with partners.

Among the tools is a phishing triage agent that can autonomously process routine alerts, freeing analysts to focus on advanced incidents.

Microsoft said its new AI-driven approach goes beyond traditional security platforms, using generative AI to prioritise threats, correlate data, and even recommend or execute responses.

The rollout also brings new capabilities to Microsoft Defender, Entra, and Purview, enhancing organisations’ ability to manage and secure AI systems.

While analysts welcome the move as a step forward in proactive cybersecurity, some warn that full reliance on one platform carries strategic risks like vendor lock-in and reduced flexibility.

Experts suggest a balanced approach that combines Microsoft’s core capabilities with specialised solutions for areas such as threat intelligence and cloud protection, helping organisations stay agile in a fast-evolving threat landscape.

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Samsung loses Qualcomm chip deal

Qualcomm is reportedly passing over Samsung for its upcoming Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, choosing instead to stick with Taiwan’s TSMC for manufacturing.

Despite Samsung’s proven 4nm process and efforts to regain market confidence, Qualcomm appears hesitant to return after earlier issues with Samsung’s 3nm technology.

The new chipset is said to feature a mix of high-performance Cortex-X4 and A720 cores, notably lacking Qualcomm’s custom Oryon designs. However, this time around the company is being left out despite recent improvements in yield and packaging capabilities.

Samsung has focused on enhancing its legacy chip processes, recently beginning mass production of its fourth-generation 4nm chips.

The persistent trust issues seem to outweigh the technical strides, with Qualcomm opting to play it safe and rely solely on Taiwan’s TSMC’s consistency for this release.

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SpaceX edges closer to Indian market with Starlink agreements

Starlink is on the verge of securing regulatory approval in India, a move that could accelerate its expansion into other emerging markets.

Industry analysts believe gaining a foothold in India, valued at an estimated $25 billion, would strengthen the company’s position in the global satellite broadband sector.

The potential approval follows agreements between Starlink and Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, signalling that regulatory hurdles may soon be cleared.

The satellite internet provider, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has faced delays in India due to disputes over spectrum allocation. The government’s decision to allocate rather than auction spectrum has paved the way for new entrants like Starlink.

With analysts forecasting a dramatic drop in low Earth orbit broadband prices over the next decade, India is expected to be a key driver of Starlink’s subscriber growth in Asia.

Experts suggest that competitive pricing could help the company gain traction in a market where broadband plans currently start at around $12 per month.

India’s satellite internet sector has a potential customer base of 700 million people, making it a critical market for Starlink. Approval would not only boost its global expansion but also stimulate job creation and investment in India’s growing space industry.

Industry insiders say the company’s partnerships with local telecom firms, combined with government support, could shape the future of satellite broadband in the country and beyond.

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