Cisco has introduced a major evolution in security policy management, aiming to help enterprises scale securely without increasing complexity. At the centre of this transformation is Cisco’s Security Cloud Control, a unified policy framework designed to simplify and centralise the enforcement of security policies across a wide range of environments and technologies.
With the introduction of the Mesh Policy Engine, organisations can now define a single, intent-based policy that applies seamlessly across Cisco and third-party firewalls. Cisco is also upgrading its network security infrastructure to support AI-ready environments.
The new Hybrid Mesh Firewall includes the high-performance 6100 Series for data centres and the cost-efficient 200 Series for branch deployments, offering advanced threat inspection and integrated SD-WAN. Enforcement is extended across SD-WAN, smart switches, and ACI fabric, ensuring consistent protection.
Additionally, Cisco has deepened its integration with Splunk to enhance threat detection, investigation, and response (TDIR). Firewall log data feeds into Splunk for advanced analytics, while new SOAR integrations automate key responses like host isolation and policy enforcement.
Combined with telemetry from Cisco’s broader ecosystem, these tools provide faster, more informed threat management. Together, these advancements position Cisco as a leader in AI-era cybersecurity, offering a unified and intelligent platform that reduces complexity, improves detection and response, and secures emerging technologies like agentic AI. By embedding policy-driven security into the core of enterprise networks, Cisco is enabling organisations to innovate with AI safely and securely.
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The Alan Turing Institute has warned that urgent action is needed to protect the UK’s AI research from espionage, intellectual property theft and risky international collaborations.
The report highlights inconsistencies in how security risks are understood within universities and a lack of incentives for researchers to follow government guidelines. Sensitive data, the dual-use potential of AI, and the risk of reverse engineering make the field particularly vulnerable to foreign interference.
Lead author Megan Hughes stressed the need for a coordinated response, urging government and academia to find the right balance between academic freedom and security.
The report outlines 13 recommendations, including expanding support for academic due diligence and issuing clearer guidance on high-risk international partnerships.
Further proposals call for compulsory research security training, better threat communication from national agencies, and standardised risk assessments before publishing AI research.
The aim is to build a more resilient research ecosystem as global interest in UK-led AI innovation continues to grow.
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At London Tech Week, Darktrace and UK officials warned that many firms are over-relying on AI tools while failing to implement basic cybersecurity practices.
Despite the hype around AI, essential measures like user access control and system segmentation remain missing in many organisations.
Cybercriminals are already exploiting AI to automate phishing and accelerate intrusions in the UK, while outdated infrastructure and short-term thinking leave companies vulnerable.
Boards often struggle to assess AI tools properly, buying into trends rather than addressing real threats.
Experts stressed that AI is not a silver bullet and must be used alongside human expertise and solid security foundations.
Domain-specific AI models, built with transparency and interpretability, are needed to avoid the dangers of overconfidence and misapplication in high-risk areas.
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Wikipedia has paused a controversial trial of AI-generated article summaries following intense backlash from its community of volunteer editors.
The Wikimedia Foundation had planned a two-week opt-in test for mobile users using summaries produced by Aya, an open-weight AI model developed by Cohere.
However, the reaction from editors was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The discussion page became flooded with objections, with contributors arguing that such summaries risked undermining the site’s reputation for neutrality and accuracy.
Some expressed concerns that inserting AI content would override Wikipedia’s long-standing collaborative approach by effectively installing a single, unverifiable voice atop articles.
Editors warned that AI-generated summaries lacked proper sourcing and could compromise the site’s credibility. Recent AI blunders by other tech giants, including Google’s glue-on-pizza mishap and Apple’s false death alert, were cited as cautionary examples of reputational risk.
For many, the possibility of similar errors appearing on Wikipedia was unacceptable.
Marshall Miller of the Wikimedia Foundation acknowledged the misstep in communication and confirmed the project’s suspension.
While the Foundation remains interested in exploring AI to improve accessibility, it has committed to ensuring any future implementation involves direct participation from the Wikipedia community.
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Over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains linked to data-stealing malware have been taken down during Operation Secure, a coordinated cybercrime crackdown led by INTERPOL between January and April 2025.
Law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked together to locate rogue servers and dismantle criminal networks instead of tackling threats in isolation.
The operation, supported by cybersecurity firms including Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro, led to the removal of nearly 80 per cent of the identified malicious infrastructure. Authorities seized 41 servers, confiscated over 100GB of stolen data and arrested 32 suspects.
More than 216,000 individuals and organisations were alerted, helping them act quickly by changing passwords, freezing accounts or blocking unauthorised access.
Vietnamese police arrested 18 people, including a group leader found with cash, SIM cards and business records linked to fraudulent schemes. Sri Lankan and Nauruan authorities carried out home raids, arresting 14 suspects and identifying 40 victims.
In Hong Kong, police traced 117 command-and-control servers across 89 internet providers. INTERPOL hailed the effort as proof of the impact of cross-border cooperation in dismantling cybercriminal infrastructure instead of allowing it to flourish undisturbed.
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The African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG) convened in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, from 23 to 28 May 2025, bringing together a broad mix of African and international stakeholders for intensive internet, ICT, and data governance training. As a precursor to the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), the school aimed to strengthen civil society, public, and private sector expertise in navigating Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Katherine Getao spoke about cybersecurity and #GenevaDialogue at the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG), highlighting the importance of multistakeholder cooperation in implementing cyber norms.
Representing Diplo, Dr Katherine Getao delivered a keynote on ‘Cybersecurity and Cybercrime in Africa,’ emphasising the continent’s urgent need to build strong digital defences amid rising cyber threats. While the challenges are pressing, she pointed out that they also open avenues for youth employment and entrepreneurship, especially in the cybersecurity sector.
Dr Getao also stressed the significance of African participation in global policy dialogues, such as the Geneva Dialogue, to ensure the continent’s digital priorities are heard and reflected in international frameworks. Drawing from her experience with the UN Group of Governmental Experts, she advocated for Africa to be more active in shaping responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
The event’s panel discussions and workshops further explored how African voices can better leverage platforms like the Internet Governance Forum to influence global tech governance. For Diplo and initiatives like the Geneva Dialogue, AfriSIG was a key venue for aligning African digital development with international policy momentum.
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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a brief but significant leak of over 600 gigabytes of data, exposing information on millions of Chinese citizens.
The haul, containing WeChat, Alipay, banking, and residential records, is part of a centralised system, possibly aimed at large-scale surveillance instead of a random data breach.
According to research from Cybernews and cybersecurity consultant Bob Diachenko, the data was likely used to build individuals’ detailed behavioural, social and economic profiles.
They warned the information could be exploited for phishing, fraud, blackmail or even disinformation campaigns instead of remaining dormant. Although only 16 datasets were reviewed before the database vanished, they indicated a highly organised and purposeful collection effort.
The source of the leak remains unknown, but the scale and nature of the data suggest it may involve government-linked or state-backed entities rather than lone hackers.
The exposed information could allow malicious actors to track residence locations, financial activity and personal identifiers, placing millions at risk instead of keeping their lives private and secure.
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The US Social Security Administration is launching digital access to Social Security numbers in the summer of 2025 through its ‘My Social Security’ portal. The initiative aims to improve convenience, reduce physical card replacement delays, and protect against identity theft.
The digital rollout responds to the challenges of outdated paper cards, rising fraud risks, and growing demand for remote access to US government services. Cybersecurity experts also recommend using VPNs, antivirus software, and identity monitoring services to guard against phishing scams and data breaches.
While it promises faster and more secure access, experts urge users to bolster account protection through strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and avoidance of public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive data.
Users should regularly check their credit reports and SSA records and consider requesting an IRS PIN to prevent tax-related fraud. The SSA says this move will make Social Security more efficient without compromising safety.
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The UK communications regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into the controversial message board 4chan for potentially breaching new online safety laws. Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must assess and manage risks related to illegal content affecting UK users.
Ofcom stated that it requested 4chan’s risk assessment in April but received no response, prompting a formal inquiry into whether the site failed to meet its duty to protect users. The nature of the illegal content being scrutinised has not been disclosed.
The regulator emphasised that it has the authority to fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, depending on which is higher. That move marks a significant test of the UK’s stricter regulatory powers to hold online services accountable.
The watchdog’s concerns stem from user anonymity on 4chan, which has historically made the platform a hotspot for controversial, offensive, and often extreme content. A recent cyberattack further complicated matters, rendering parts of the website offline for over a week.
Alongside 4chan, Ofcom is also investigating pornographic site First Time Videos for failing to prove robust age verification systems are in place to block access by under-18s. This is part of a broader crackdown as platforms with age-restricted content face a July deadline to implement effective safeguards, which may include facial age-estimation technology.
Additionally, seven lesser-known file-sharing services, including Krakenfiles and Yolobit, are being scrutinised for potentially hosting child sexual abuse material. Like 4chan, these platforms reportedly failed to respond to Ofcom’s information requests. The regulator’s growing list of investigations signals a tougher era for digital platforms operating in the UK.
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Marks & Spencer has resumed online clothing orders following a 46-day pause triggered by a cyberattack. The retailer restarted standard home delivery across England, Scotland and Wales, focusing initially on best-selling and new items instead of the full range.
A spokesperson stated that additional products will be added daily, enabling customers to gradually access a wider selection. Services such as click and collect, next-day delivery, and international orders are expected to be reintroduced in the coming weeks, while deliveries to Northern Ireland will resume soon.
The disruption began on 25 April when M&S halted clothing and home orders after issues with contactless payments and app services during the Easter weekend. The company revealed that the breach was caused by hackers who deceived staff at a third-party contractor, bypassing security defences.
M&S had warned that the incident could reduce its 2025/26 operating profit by around £300 million, though it aims to limit losses through insurance and internal cost measures. Shares rose 3 per cent as the online service came back online.
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