Sustainable development

Cyber scams use a three-letter trap

Staying safe from cybercriminals can be surprisingly simple. While AI-powered scams grow more realistic, some signs are still painfully obvious.

If you spot the letters ‘.TOP’ in any message link, it’s best to stop reading and hit delete. That single clue is often enough to expose a scam in progress.

Most malicious texts pose as alerts about road tolls, deliveries or account issues, using trusted brand names to lure victims into clicking fake links.

The worst of these is the ‘.TOP’ top-level domain (TLD), which has become infamous for its role in phishing and scam operations. Although launched in 2014 for premium business use, its low cost and lack of oversight quickly made it a favourite among cyber gangs, especially those based in China.

Today, nearly one-third of all .TOP domains are linked to cybercrime — far surpassing the criminal activity seen on mainstream domains like ‘.com’.

Despite repeated warnings and an unresolved compliance notice from internet regulator ICANN, abuse linked to .TOP has only worsened.

Experts warn that it is highly unlikely any legitimate Western organisation would ever use a .TOP domain. If one appears in your messages, the safest option is to delete it without clicking.

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Secret passwords could fight deepfake scams

As AI-generated images grow increasingly lifelike, a cyber security expert has warned that families should create secret passwords to guard against deepfake scams.

Cody Barrow, chief executive of EclecticIQ and a former US government adviser, says AI is making it far easier for criminals to impersonate others using fabricated videos or images.

Mr Barrow and his wife now use a private code to confirm each other’s identity if either receives a suspicious message or video.

He believes this precaution, simple enough for anyone regardless of age or digital skills, could soon become essential. ‘It may sound dramatic here in May 2025,’ he said, ‘but I’m quite confident that in a few years, if not months, people will say: I should have done that.’

The warning comes the same week Google launched Veo 3, its AI video generator capable of producing hyper-realistic footage and lifelike dialogue. Its public release has raised concerns about how easily deepfakes could be misused for scams or manipulation.

Meanwhile, President Trump signed the ‘Take It Down Act’ into law, making the creation of deepfake pornography a criminal offence. The bipartisan measure will see prison terms for anyone producing or uploading such content, with First Lady Melania Trump stating it will ‘prioritise people over politics’

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Authorities strike down cybercriminal servers

Authorities across Europe, North America and the UK have dismantled a major global malware network by taking down over 300 servers and seizing millions in cryptocurrency. The operation, led by Eurojust, marks a significant phase of the ongoing Operation Endgame.

Law enforcement agencies from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, the US and Canada collaborated to target some of the world’s most dangerous malware variants and the cybercriminals responsible for them.

The takedown also resulted in international arrest warrants for 20 suspects and the identification of more than 36 individuals involved.

The latest move follows similar action in May 2024, which had been the largest coordinated effort against botnets. Since the start of the operation, over €21 million has been seized, including €3.5 million in cryptocurrency.

The malware disrupted in this crackdown, known as ‘initial access malware’, is used to gain a foothold in victims’ systems before further attacks like ransomware are launched.

Authorities have warned that Operation Endgame will continue, with further actions announced through the coalition’s website. Eighteen prime suspects will be added to the EU Most Wanted list.

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Oracle and OpenAI target AI leadership with massive chip project

Oracle has reportedly acquired around 400,000 Nvidia GB200 AI chips valued at approximately $40 billion for deployment at a data centre in Abilene, Texas.

The location will be the first site of the Stargate project—a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund, which President Trump announced earlier this year.

Once completed, the Abilene facility is expected to provide up to 1.2 gigawatts of computing power, rivalling Elon Musk’s Colossus project in Memphis.

Although Oracle will operate from the site, the land is owned by AI infrastructure firm Cruso and US investment company Blue Owl Capital, which have collectively invested more than $15 billion through financing.

Oracle will lease the campus for 15 years, using the chips to offer computing power to OpenAI for training its next-generation AI models.

Previously dependent solely on Microsoft’s data centres, OpenAI faced bottlenecks due to limited capacity, prompting it to end the exclusivity agreement and look elsewhere.

While individual investors have committed funds, the Stargate project has not officially financed any facility yet. In parallel, OpenAI has announced Stargate UAE—a 5-gigawatt site in Abu Dhabi using over 2 million Nvidia chips, built in partnership with G42.

A surging demand for AI infrastructure has significantly boosted Nvidia’s market value, with the company reclaiming its top global ranking in late 2024.

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Quandela presents Belenos, a powerful 12-qubit quantum computer

French quantum computing startup Quandela has unveiled Belenos, a 12-qubit photonic quantum computer that it claims delivers 4,000 times more computing power than its predecessor.

The first integrated version is set to be delivered to EuroHPC/GENCI and operated at the CEA’s Très Grand Centre de Calcul (TGCC) before the end of 2025.

Currently, Belenos is accessible via the cloud to over 1,200 researchers across 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Instead of relying solely on local deployments, this cloud availability enables researchers to explore hybrid HPC-quantum use cases in fields such as structural mechanics, meteorology, and materials science.

Quandela has ambitious plans to double the qubit count by 2026 with the launch of Canopus. Within three years, the company aims to develop a photonic quantum computer with more than 40 qubits, continuing its focus on systems that avoid cryogenic cooling by using photonics-based methods instead.

‘Our cloud-accessible Belenos system lets partners work on tasks where computing speed and operations per data point are crucial — areas where competitors fall short,’ said co-founder and CEO Niccolo Somaschi.

The platform is designed for practical applications in machine learning and at the AI-quantum interface, which Quandela views as strategically vital sectors for the future.

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Nvidia recovers as DeepSeek fears fade

Earlier this year, Nvidia shares declined following concerns over DeepSeek and the possibility that tech giants might reduce AI-related spending. Worries over export restrictions added to investor unease.

However, Wedbush Securities’ managing director Matt Bryson believes the DeepSeek issue is now firmly behind the company. According to Bryson, DeepSeek — mostly a China-based phenomenon — unexpectedly boosted demand for AI servers, which ultimately benefited Nvidia instead of hurting it.

Another key development is Oracle’s plan to spend around $40 billion on Nvidia’s GB200 chips to power OpenAI’s new data centre.

Bryson suggested this is part of a broader trend among hyperscalers like Oracle and Crusoe, which recently secured funding to build new facilities. He expects this spending to appear in Nvidia’s earnings as early as Q2 or Q3, instead of being delayed until the next chip generation, the GB300.

Looking ahead, investors remain focused on whether major tech firms will sustain their AI investment. Bryson pointed out that recent earnings reports from companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta show they remain committed to high capital expenditures.

Instead of retreating, Big Tech appears set to continue driving demand for AI infrastructure, which supports Nvidia’s long-term prospects.

Bryson also noted a significant new factor in AI growth: sovereign deals from countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He emphasised that the UAE’s expected chip purchases may even surpass Oracle’s.

The new demand, combined with increasing investments in AI-powered edge products — such as those hinted at by OpenAI’s collaboration with Jony Ive — signals that AI spending beyond 2025 will remain strong instead of slowing.

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Pakistan aims to become global crypto and AI leader

Pakistan has set aside 2,000 megawatts of electricity in a major push to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centres, marking the start of a wider national digital strategy.

Led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a body under the Ministry of Finance, this initiative aims to monetise surplus energy instead of wasting it, while attracting foreign investment, creating jobs, and generating much-needed revenue.

Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the PCC, stated that with proper regulation and transparency, Pakistan can transform into a global powerhouse for crypto and AI.

By redirecting underused power capacity, particularly from plants operating below potential, Pakistan seeks to convert a longstanding liability into a high-value asset, earning foreign currency through digital services and even storing Bitcoin in a national wallet.

Global firms have already shown interest, following recent visits from international miners and data centre operators.

Pakistan’s location — bridging Asia, the Middle East, and Europe — coupled with low energy costs and ample land, positions it as a competitive alternative to regional tech hubs like India and Singapore.

The arrival of the Africa-2 subsea cable has further boosted digital connectivity and resilience, strengthening the case for domestic AI infrastructure.

It is just the beginning of a multi-stage rollout. Plans include using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower, while tax incentives and strategic partnerships are expected to follow.

With over 40 million crypto users and increasing digital literacy, Pakistan aims to emerge not just as a destination for digital infrastructure but as a sovereign leader in Web3, AI, and blockchain innovation.

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United Nations Environment Programme – Global Resource Information Database

The Global Resource Information Database – Geneva (GRID-Geneva) is a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), and the University of Geneva (UNIGE). With a team of 20 environment data scientists, GRID-Geneva’s main role is to transform data into information and knowledge to support the decision-making process related to environmental issues.

The GRID-Geneva partnership brings a powerful science policy interface: with UNIGE for solid science, large computation facilities, and the Swiss government to advise and support policies, providing strong support to the UN Environment Programme. UNEP/GRID-Geneva is incorporated in the Big Data Branch, within the Early Warning and Assessment Division of UNEP. It is also part of the One Global Partnership, which includes more than 15 centres worldwide, working together to keep the environment under review and support UNEP with data processing.

Digital activities

GRID-Geneva generates various types of resources such as data, data platforms, publications, visuals (maps, graphs, posters), storymaps or multimedia content. GRID-Geneva’s scientists can process satellite imagery using remote sensing software, create models from geospatial data using GIS, and generate interactive maps and graphs for automatic updates. GRID-Geneva also specialises in the design and maintenance of data platforms for supporting UNEP (e.g. with the World Environment Situation Room), Ramsar, and many other organisations and environmental conventions. It manages numerous high-quality geospatial data sets at various scales (global, continental, national, and subnational) on a variety of environment-related themes. GRID-Geneva also promotes the use of other relevant data platforms, and its scientists are also providing conferences, capacity building, and teaching about environmental issues/solutions, or data science.

Digital policy issues

Environment and sustainable development

GRID-Geneva is a key centre of geospatial know-how, with strengths in GIS, remote sensing, and statistical analyses, integrated through modern spatial data infrastructures and web applications. Working at the interface between scientific information and policy/decision-making, GRID-Geneva also helps to develop capacities in these fields of expertise among target audiences, countries, and other groups.

Database

Maintain, update and improve databases related to environmental issues, including metadata. For supporting the creation of data and indicators, monitoring trends, and supporting UNEP and other parties in their assessment and reporting processes.

Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)

Continue to keep up with the latest technologies and standards, such as those from the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) for data dissemination via web services and contributing to the improvement of data dissemination, linked data, and data dissemination for the provision of near-real-time data and automatic updates.

Interactive Mapping Platforms

GRID-Geneva has developed strong expertise in creating interactive mapping platforms for displaying, analysing, and sharing geospatial data. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a wide audience, including citizens, businesses, policymakers, and the scientific community.

Serving as a global entry point, it connects users to high-quality, real-world projects with tangible geospatial data and measurable impact on people and countries.

Remote sensing

GRID-Geneva is using the latest technologies for processing satellite imagery (e.g. data cube, image object analysis) as well as usual remote sensing techniques. It will continue to maintain such skills and will contribute to supporting the three Parties and other partners with remote sensing analysis. This can be used for monitoring trends in environmental status. Automation of remote sensing analysis, conversion of raster data to graphs, and capacity building on these techniques are part of the key know-how from GRID-Geneva.

Live Graphs and Maps

With the introduction of UNEP Live, it is essential for UNEP to be able to feature near-real-time data and have it automatically updated. GRID-Geneva, in collaboration with data providers, can automate the data update to maintain data with the latest information available.

Capacity development

With the rapid change in technologies, GRID-Geneva has an important role in helping governments and ensuring that nobody is left behind. GRID-Geneva has developed several training packages on GIS, remote sensing, and SDI, and will keep providing support to various partners and governments to improve their skills in these domains. Capacity building is not only provided on technologies but also on themes. Online training can also be developed (e.g. through Massive Online Open Course (MOOC)).

Digital tools and initiatives

Data platforms

Data Analytics and Early Warning for Environment provides the latest data on numerous indicators and gives access to specific thematic platforms: live Earth, disaster risk, ecosystems for risk reduction, environmental hotspots, planetary boundaries, loss and damage, and climate change.

Interactive Country Fiches analyse environmental situations and performances of countries around the world. 

The Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI) estimate the risk of infrastructure assets related to most major geological and climate-related hazards.

Opportunity mapping uses global data on ecosystems and hazards to identify areas where restoration or protection can best safeguard people.

The Climate change data platform contains up-to-date, relevant information about climate change indicators.

Social media channels

LinkedIn: @GRID Geneva

YouTube: @GRIDGeneva

SynthID Detector aims to boost transparency in AI content

Google has launched SynthID Detector, a verification portal designed to identify whether content was created using its AI models. The tool scans for SynthID, Google’s watermarking technology, which invisibly marks text, images, audio, and video generated by tools such as Gemini, Imagen, Lyria, and Veo.

The Detector highlights which parts of the content likely contain SynthID watermarks. These watermarks are invisible and do not affect the quality of the media. According to Google, over 10 billion pieces of AI-generated content have already been marked using SynthID.

Users can upload files to the SynthID Detector web portal, which then checks for the presence of watermarks. For example, the tool can identify specific segments in an audio file or regions in an image where watermarks are embedded.

Initially rolled out to early testers, the tool will become more widely available in the coming weeks. Google has also open sourced SynthID’s text watermarking technology to allow broader integration by developers.

The company says SynthID is part of a broader effort to address misinformation and improve transparency around AI-generated content. Google emphasized the importance of working with the AI community to support content authenticity as AI tools become more widespread.

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Ransomware gang leaks French government emails

A ransomware gang has published what it claims is sensitive data from multiple French organisations on a dark web forum.

The Stormous cartel, active since 2022, posted the dataset as a ‘comprehensive leak’ allegedly involving high-profile French government bodies.

However, researchers from Cybernews examined the information and found the data’s quality questionable, with outdated MD5 password hashes indicating it could be from older breaches.

Despite its age, the dataset could still be dangerous if reused credentials are involved. Threat actors may exploit the leaked emails for phishing campaigns by impersonating government agencies to extract more sensitive details.

Cybernews noted that even weak password hashes can eventually be cracked, especially when stronger security measures weren’t in place at the time of collection.

Among the affected organisations are Agence Française de Développement, the Paris Region’s Regional Health Agency, and the Court of Audit.

The number of exposed email addresses varies, with some institutions having only a handful leaked while others face hundreds. The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI has yet to comment.

Last year, France faced another massive exposure incident affecting 95 million citizen records, adding to concerns about ongoing cyber vulnerabilities.

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