cybersecurity

M&S still rebuilding after April cyber incident

Marks & Spencer has revealed that the major cyberattack it suffered in April stemmed from a sophisticated impersonation of a third-party user.

The breach began on 17 April and was detected two days later, sparking weeks of disruption and a crisis response effort described as ‘traumatic’ by Chairman Archie Norman.

The retailer estimates the incident will cost it £300 million in operating profit and says it remains in rebuild mode, although customer services are expected to normalise by month-end.

Norman confirmed M&S is working with UK and US authorities, including the National Crime Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre, and the FBI.

While the ransomware group DragonForce has claimed responsibility, Norman declined to comment on whether any ransom was paid. He said such matters were better left to law enforcement and not in the public interest to discuss further.

The company expects to recover some of its losses through insurance, although the process may take up to 18 months. Other UK retailers, including Co-op and Harrods, were also targeted in similar attacks around the same time, reportedly using impersonation tactics to bypass internal security systems.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Cyber defence effort returns to US ports post-pandemic

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has resumed its seaport cybersecurity exercise programme. Initially paused due to the pandemic and other delays, the initiative is now returning to ports such as Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington and potentially Tampa.

These proof-of-concept tabletop exercises are intended to help ports prepare for cyber threats by developing a flexible, replicable framework. Each port functions uniquely, yet common infrastructure and shared vulnerabilities make standardised preparation critical for effective crisis response.

CISA warns that threats targeting ports have grown more severe, with nation states exploiting AI-powered techniques. Some US ports, including Houston, have already fended off cyberattacks, and Chinese-made systems dominate critical logistics, raising national security concerns.

Private ownership of most port infrastructure demands strong public-private partnerships to maintain cybersecurity. CISA aims to offer a shared model that ports across the country can adapt to improve cooperation, resilience, and threat awareness.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Activision pulls game after PC hacking reports

Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass following reports that hackers exploited a serious vulnerability in the game. Only the PC versions from Microsoft’s platforms are affected, while the game remains accessible via Steam and consoles.

The decision came after several players reported their computers being hijacked during gameplay. Streamed footage showed remote code execution attacks, where malicious code was deployed through the game to seize control of victims’ devices.

AN outdated and insecure build of the game, which had previously been patched elsewhere, was uploaded to the Microsoft platforms. Activision has yet to restore access and continues to investigate the issue.

Call of Duty: WWII was only added to Game Pass in June. The vulnerability highlights the dangers of pushing old game builds without sufficient review, exposing users to significant cybersecurity risks.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Cybercrime soars as firms underfund defences

Nearly four in ten UK businesses (38 %) do not allocate a dedicated cybersecurity budget, even as cybercrime costs hit an estimated £64 billion over three years.

Smaller enterprises are particularly vulnerable, with 15 % reporting breaches linked to underfunding.

Almost half of organisations (45 %) rely solely on in‑house defences, with only 8 % securing standalone cyber insurance, exposing many to evolving threats.

Common attacks include phishing campaigns, AI‑powered malware and DDoS, yet cybersecurity typically receives just 11 % of IT budgets.

Security professionals call for stronger board‑level involvement and increased collaboration with specialists and regulators.

They caution that businesses risk suffering further financial and reputational damage without proactive budgeting and external expertise.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Phishing 2.0: How AI is making cyber scams more convincing

Phishing remains among the most widespread and dangerous cyber threats, especially for individuals and small businesses. These attacks rely on deception—emails, texts, or social messages that impersonate trusted sources to trick people into giving up sensitive information.

Cybercriminals exploit urgency and fear. A typical example is a fake email from a bank saying your account is at risk, prompting you to click a malicious link. Even when emails look legitimate, subtle details—like a strange sender address—can be red flags.

In one recent scam, Netflix users received fake alerts about payment failures. The link led to a fake login page where credentials and payment data were stolen. Similar tactics have been used against QuickBooks users, small businesses, and Microsoft 365 customers.

Small businesses are frequent targets due to limited security resources. Emails mimicking vendors or tech companies often trick employees into handing over credentials, giving attackers access to sensitive systems.

Phishing works because it preys on human psychology: trust, fear, and urgency. And with AI, attackers can now generate more convincing content, making detection harder than ever.

Protection starts with vigilance. Always check sender addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Employee training, secure protocols for sensitive requests, and phishing simulations are critical for businesses.

Phishing attacks will continue to grow in sophistication, but with awareness and layered security practices, users and businesses can stay ahead of the threat.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Ransomware gangs feud after M&S cyberattack

A turf war has erupted between two significant ransomware gangs, DragonForce and RansomHub, following cyberattacks on UK retailers including Marks and Spencer and Harrods.

Security experts warn that the feud could result in companies being extorted multiple times as criminal groups compete to control the lucrative ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) market.

DragonForce, a predominantly Russian-speaking group, reportedly triggered the conflict by rebranding as a cartel and expanding its affiliate base.

Tensions escalated after RansomHub’s dark-web site was taken offline in what is believed to be a hostile move by DragonForce, prompting retaliation through digital vandalism.

Cybersecurity analysts say the breakdown in relationships between hacking groups has created instability, increasing the likelihood of future attacks. Experts also point to a growing risk of follow-up extortion attempts by affiliates when criminal partnerships collapse.

The rivalry reflects the ruthless dynamics of the ransomware economy, which is forecast to cost businesses $10 trillion globally by the end of 2025. Victims now face not only technical challenges but also the legal and financial fallout of navigating increasingly unpredictable criminal networks.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

US Cyber Command proposes $5M AI Initiative for 2026 budget

US Cyber Command is seeking $5 million in its fiscal year 2026 budget to launch a new AI project to advance data integration and operational capabilities.

While the amount represents a small fraction of the command’s $1.3 billion research and development (R&D) portfolio, the effort reflects growing emphasis on incorporating AI into cyber operations.

The initiative follows congressional direction set in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which tasked Cyber Command and the Department of Defense’s Chief Information Officer—working with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, DARPA, the NSA, and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering—to produce a five-year guide and implementation plan for rapid AI adoption.

However, this roadmap, developed shortly after, identified priorities for deploying AI systems, applications, and supporting data processes across cyber forces.

Cyber Command formed an AI task force within its Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) to operationalise these priorities. The newly proposed funding would support the task force’s efforts to establish core data standards, curate and tag operational data, and accelerate the integration of AI and machine learning solutions.

Known as Artificial Intelligence for Cyberspace Operations, the project will focus on piloting AI technologies using an agile 90-day cycle. This approach is designed to rapidly assess potential solutions against real-world use cases, enabling quick iteration in response to evolving cyber threats.

Budget documents indicate the CNMF plans to explore how AI can enhance threat detection, automate data analysis, and support decision-making processes. The command’s Cyber Immersion Laboratory will be essential in testing and evaluating these cyber capabilities, with external organisations conducting independent operational assessments.

The AI roadmap identifies five categories for applying AI across Cyber Command’s enterprise: vulnerabilities and exploits; network security, monitoring, and visualisation; modelling and predictive analytics; persona and identity management; and infrastructure and transport systems.

To fund this effort, Cyber Command plans to shift resources from its operations and maintenance account into its R&D budget as part of the transition from FY2025 to FY2026.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

How agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is gaining a new teammate—one that never sleeps and acts independently. Agentic AI doesn’t wait for instructions. It detects threats, investigates, and responds in real-time. This new class of AI is beginning to change the way we approach cyber defence.

Unlike traditional AI systems, Agentic AI operates with autonomy. It sets objectives, adapts to environments, and self-corrects without waiting for human input. In cybersecurity, this means instant detection and response, beyond simple automation.

With networks more complex than ever, security teams are stretched thin. Agentic AI offers relief by executing actions like isolating compromised systems or rewriting firewall rules. This technology promises to ease alert fatigue and keep up with evasive threats.

A 2025 Deloitte report says 25% of GenAI-using firms will pilot Agentic AI this year. SailPoint found that 98% of organisations will expand AI agent use in the next 12 months. But rapid adoption also raises concern—96% of tech workers see AI agents as security risks.

The integration of AI agents is expanding to cloud, endpoints, and even physical security. Yet with new power comes new vulnerabilities—from adversaries mimicking AI behaviour to the risk of excessive automation without human checks.

Key challenges include ethical bias, unpredictable errors, and uncertain regulation. In sectors like healthcare and finance, oversight and governance must keep pace. The solution lies in balanced control and continuous human-AI collaboration.

Cybersecurity careers are shifting in response. Hybrid roles such as AI Security Analysts and Threat Intelligence Automation Architects are emerging. To stay relevant, professionals must bridge AI knowledge with security architecture.

Agentic AI is redefining cybersecurity. It boosts speed and intelligence but demands new skills and strong leadership. Adaptation is essential for those who wish to thrive in tomorrow’s AI-driven security landscape.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Ukraine strengthens cybersecurity ties with EU

Ukraine participated for the first time in the EU National Cybersecurity Coordination Centers meeting and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) Steering Board in Rome.

The event, supported by Italy’s National Agency for Cybersecurity, focused on enhancing cooperation among EU member states and fostering a unified cyber community.

Natalia Tkachuk, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity, highlighted the nation’s challenges and experiences in countering cyber threats amidst ongoing conflict.

She emphasized Ukraine’s role in both receiving and sharing cybersecurity knowledge to strengthen collective European security.

Discussions included the establishment of a joint Center of Competence for Cyber Resilience in Ukraine, aiming to counter Russian cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage.

The center will utilize artificial intelligence trained on unique Ukrainian data to enhance response capabilities.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Regions seek role in EU hospital cyber strategy

The European Commission’s latest plan to strengthen hospital cybersecurity has drawn attention from regional authorities across the EU, who say they were excluded from key decisions.

Their absence, they argue, could weaken the strategy’s overall effectiveness.

With cyberattacks on healthcare systems growing, regional representatives insist they should have a seat at the table.

As those directly managing hospitals and public health, they warn that top-down decisions may overlook urgent local challenges and lead to poorly matched policies.

The Commission’s plan includes creating a dedicated health cybersecurity centre under the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and setting up an EU-wide threat alert system.

Yet doubts remain over how these goals will be met without extra funding or clear guidance on regional involvement.

The concerns point to the need for a more collaborative approach that values regional knowledge.

Without it, the EU risks designing cybersecurity protections that fail to reflect the realities inside Europe’s hospitals.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!