Google has restricted the creation of new accounts for Russian users, according to Russia‘s digital ministry. The move follows mounting pressure on the tech giant over its failure to remove content deemed illegal by Moscow and for blocking Russian media channels on YouTube following the invasion of Ukraine. Telecom operators have also reported a sharp decline in the number of SMS messages sent by Google to Russian users.
The digital ministry warned there is no guarantee that two-factor authentication SMS confirmations will continue functioning for Google services. It advised users to back up their data and consider alternative authentication methods or domestic platforms. Google had already deactivated AdSense accounts in Russia in August and halted serving ads in the country in March 2022.
Google has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels linked to state-sponsored Russian media, as well as more than 5.5 million videos. Slower speeds on YouTube in Russia have been recorded recently, with Russian lawmakers blaming the issue on Google’s equipment, a claim the company disputes.
China and Africa cooperate to enhance digital infrastructure, which has emerged as a cornerstone of their evolving economic partnership. Over the past decade, substantial investments from Chinese enterprises have facilitated the construction of essential digital frameworks across Africa.
That includes initiatives such as laying extensive fibre optic cables, establishing robust 5G networks and creating data centres that ensure high-speed connectivity. As a direct consequence of this collaboration, millions of people are now connected, and local economies are being transformed through expanded e-commerce opportunities. Notably, the surge in digital trade has opened new avenues for economic growth in African nations, attracting vital investments and fostering entrepreneurship.
Moreover, Chinese companies have played a crucial role in this transformative process by offering technical support, financial backing, and infrastructure development. Consequently, these efforts have contributed to a vibrant marketplace where an increasing number of online shoppers can access a diverse range of goods and services. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable development are evident in the improvements to service trade and the establishment of resilient financial infrastructures. By leveraging advancements in digital technology, the partnership optimises sectors such as transport and tourism, enhancing operational efficiency and user experiences.
Why does this matter?
Furthermore, as financial technology (fintech) rapidly evolves, there is a focus on bolstering the stability of financial systems in African countries. By harnessing technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI, Chinese financial institutions collaborate with local partners to create innovative service models, addressing financial risks and fostering an investment-friendly environment. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, both regions are committed to advancing digital transformation while ensuring economic growth aligns with sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
OpenAI’s official press account on X was hacked by cryptocurrency scammers, promoting a fraudulent blockchain token, ‘$OPENAI.’ The scammers posted a message claiming the fake token would grant users access to future OpenAI beta programs. The post linked to a phishing website designed to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials from unsuspecting users. Despite the scam being evident, the post and the associated site remained active, with comments disabled to make the hack less noticeable.
This incident is part of a larger pattern, with OpenAI leadership accounts also targeted in similar phishing campaigns earlier this year. In June 2023, OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s account was hacked, posting a nearly identical message about the non-existent “$OPENAI” token. Other key OpenAI staff, such as chief scientist Jakub Pachocki and researcher Jason Wei, were also hacked recently, further exposing vulnerabilities.
Cryptocurrency scams targeting high-profile X accounts have become increasingly common. In previous years, accounts belonging to Apple, Elon Musk, and Joe Biden were compromised to promote scams. These fraudulent campaigns often use fake offers or phishing schemes to steal funds from victims by tricking them into sending cryptocurrency to scam wallets.
Cryptocurrency scams have cost United States citizens $5.6 billion in 2023 alone, a significant increase from the previous year. With over 50,000 cases reported in the first half of 2024, losses have already reached $2.5 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission, marking an alarming rise in the threat posed by such scams.
The National Security Agency (NSA), in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and international allies, has issued a critical cybersecurity advisory. Titled ‘People’s Republic of China-Linked Actors Compromise Routers and IoT Devices for Botnet Operations,’ the advisory reveals the extensive activities of cyber actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
These actors have breached internet-connected devices worldwide, establishing a massive botnet. To address this threat, the NSA has outlined several key mitigations aimed at helping device vendors, owners, and operators secure their devices and networks. These recommendations include regularly applying patches and updates, turning off unused services and ports, replacing default passwords with strong alternatives, and implementing network segmentation to reduce IoT device risks.
Furthermore, the advisory suggests monitoring network traffic for signs of DDoS attacks, planning device reboots to eliminate non-persistent malware, and upgrading outdated equipment with supported models. Moreover, NSA Cybersecurity Director Dave Luber has emphasised the importance of the advisory, noting that it provides crucial and timely insights into the botnet’s infrastructure, the geographical distribution of the compromised devices, and effective mitigation strategies.
According to the advisory, the botnet encompasses thousands of devices across various sectors, with over 260,000 devices compromised in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia as of June 2024. Consequently, this extensive network of affected devices highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect against such pervasive cyber threats.
A US federal judge has warned key members of the judiciary to remain vigilant against potential cyberattacks by foreign actors that could target election-related litigation. Judge Michael Scudder, who chairs the judiciary’s IT committee, highlighted the risks during a US Judicial Conference meeting, stressing the need for heightened security during the election season to guard against misinformation and interference attempts.
Scudder referenced recent warnings from United States intelligence agencies, which pointed to foreign adversaries using the upcoming elections as an opportunity to undermine trust in the government. He mentioned that while no current cyber threats targeting the judiciary have been identified, the courts could be at risk, especially with the possibility of election-related cases emerging in the near future.
The federal judiciary has faced cyberattacks before, with three foreign actors breaching the document-filing system in 2020. The incident led to changes in how sensitive documents are handled in lower courts. Scudder urged his colleagues to remain cautious, given that election-related litigation may again come before the courts in the upcoming election cycle.
Cybersecurity remains a concern across all branches of government, as both political campaigns and judicial systems are seen as targets for potential foreign interference. Intelligence agencies have reported recent cyber operations by foreign countries, including Iran, aimed at disrupting US elections.
Ericsson has recently joined the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), marking a significant step in advancing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and expanding global connectivity. The following collaboration underscores Ericsson’s commitment to developing Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT) services through space-based networks, integrating satellite networks with terrestrial cellular systems to address coverage gaps.
Recognising the transformative potential of 5G NTN, Ericsson aims to extend mobile coverage to underserved areas, leveraging L- and S-band spectrum well-suited for mobile satellite services. By employing 3GPP standards, this integration will enable conventional 5G devices to maintain connectivity even in regions lacking terrestrial network coverage, thus contributing to a scalable, sustainable, and affordable global connectivity ecosystem.
Ericsson’s involvement with the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) highlights its commitment to improving mobile network coverage and reliability. Freddie Södergren of Ericsson’s Business Area Networks emphasises the potential of integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks with land-based networks to enhance global connectivity. Mark Dankberg, MSSA Board Chairman, views Ericsson’s membership as a key boost to developing standards and best practices for Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, aiming for a seamless and affordable user experience through integrated networks.
Social media platform X experienced an outage on Saturday that lasted for less than an hour, according to Downdetector.com. The outage tracking site recorded over 8,200 reports at the peak of the disruption around 10:31 a.m. ET (1501 GMT). By 11:01 a.m. ET, the number of reports had dropped to fewer than 164, indicating that the platform had largely recovered.
The cause of the outage remains unknown, and X has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. The company did not respond to requests for comment outside of regular business hours.
Downdetector.com, which tracks outages by gathering status reports from multiple sources, confirmed the swift resolution of the issue, allowing users to regain access to the platform.
Outages on major social media platforms like X can have a significant impact, given their widespread use, but Saturday’s disruption was resolved quickly.
YouTube has terminated the Tenet Media channel and four other channels run by its owner, Lauren Chen, after an indictment by the US Department of Justice. The Justice Department filed money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT, accusing them of using shell companies to funnel $10 million to an unnamed US company to produce online content aimed at influencing the 2024 presidential election.
Prosecutors said the accused used fake identities to hire an American firm to create videos designed to deepen political divides in the United States. Though the company was not identified by name, court details point to Tenet Media, a Nashville-based organisation responsible for nearly 2,000 YouTube videos in under a year.
Tenet Media did not respond to requests for comment after its channels were removed by YouTube.
The indictment reflects growing concerns about foreign interference in the United States elections, with platforms like YouTube taking action against channels involved in such activities.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd has announced a strategic partnership to enhance IoT devices’ capabilities by integrating Wireless Logic’s IoT network, Conexa, with u-blox’s advanced cellular modules. The collaboration is designed to provide seamless, robust, and scalable connectivity solutions, addressing the increasing demand for reliable IoT deployments across various sectors, including automotive, industrial, healthcare, and smart cities. By combining their expertise, both companies aim to empower businesses and developers to manage their IoT solutions effectively.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd will enhance IoT connectivity by integrating Wireless Logic’s industry-leading network into select u-blox cellular modules. This integration will offer customers superior network reliability, extensive global coverage, and the flexibility to switch between multiple mobile networks using eSIM technology. This eliminates the need for physical SIM card changes, making deployments more efficient and adaptable to changing requirements.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd are committed to providing unparalleled scalability and flexibility in their combined offerings. The partnership will enable businesses to deploy IoT solutions at scale more efficiently. At the same time, Wireless Logic’s intuitive platform will allow users to manage and monitor their connectivity, providing greater control and visibility over their IoT deployments.
The Bolivian government has implemented several initiatives and policy reforms to transform the telecommunications sector, addressing the unique challenges posed by the country’s geography and socioeconomic conditions. Recognising telecommunications as a fundamental human right, the government has taken steps to ensure that all citizens can access basic telecommunications services, including the internet.
The government enacted General Law No. 164 on Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies, which established a framework for the sector’s development. This law delegated responsibilities to specific government bodies and created the National Telecommunication Program for Social Inclusion (PRONTIS), which focuses on extending internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. PRONTIS has facilitated the installation of telecommunications infrastructure in nearly 9,000 locations that previously lacked services and has connected schools in 270 rural areas.
Furthermore, the government in Bolivia has proactively expanded the mobile telecommunications market. Significant investments have been made to enhance the national telecommunications network, emphasising mobile services. This includes the introduction of infrastructure sharing to expedite the rollout of base stations across the country, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The government has also supported various initiatives to improve internet penetration, which has risen from 4% in 2008 to over 52% in recent years.
Looking ahead, Bolivia’s telecommunications sector is set for continued innovation, with 5G technology, IoT applications, and smart city developments expected to enhance connectivity and public services further.
