Sunday, April 16, 2023 // (IG): BB // Financial Enabler // Coffee for Bob
China Is Studying Russia’s Economic Playbook for Conflict
Analyst Comments: The article discusses how Washington's response to China's state-orchestrated industrial strategy has been confusing, as there is no unified strategy or organizing principle in evidence. The article highlights how bills that were passed in Congress such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act do not illustrate Washington's understanding of competitive-focused industrial strategy. It argues that the United States needs a coherent industrial policy to ensure that China never overtakes it in advanced-industry leadership and that the U.S. retains vastly more techno-economic leverage over China than it has over the U.S. The article suggests policymakers in Washington need to find inspiration in America's long-forgotten tradition of national developmentalism to achieve this.
FROM THE MEDIA: The United States is facing a growing economic and technological challenge from China, but lacks a coherent industrial strategy to address it, according to an op-ed in Politico. Despite the passage of two major economic bills, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, analysts argue that these do not amount to an effective industrial policy focused on meeting the China challenge. The author suggests that to create such a policy, policymakers should look to the country's history of national developmentalism, exemplified by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's 1791 "Report on Manufactures."
READ THE STORY: The Hill
Russia Says Its New EW System Can ‘Kill’ Satellites At An Altitude Of 36,000 Km; Military Expert Decodes The Claims
Analyst Comments: The article provides a good summary of the recent report by Ria Novosti about Russia's development of an electronic warfare system capable of jamming satellites in geostationary orbit. It also includes an expert opinion from Colonel Konstantinos Zikidis of the Hellenic Air Force, who questions the viability of Russia's claims and suggests that a directed-energy weapon in the form of a very high-energy laser would be the only potential solution for attacking a GEO satellite. The article provides context by discussing Russia's previous anti-satellite capabilities and potential implications for NATO. However, it should be noted that the article relies heavily on the expert opinion of Colonel Konstantinos Zikidis and does not provide any other expert opinions or sources to support or challenge his assessment.
FROM THE MEDIA: Russia has claimed to have developed an electronic warfare system capable of jamming satellites in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, according to a report by Ria Novosti. However, Colonel Konstantinos Zikidis of the Hellenic Air Force questioned the viability of Russia's claims, stating that using RF noise jamming or any High Power Microwave weapon would be meaningless at such distances. The only potential solution for attacking a GEO satellite would be a directed-energy weapon in the form of a very high-energy laser. Russia has previously demonstrated its anti-satellite capabilities, and the recent news about the development of an EW complex for jamming satellites can be considered a move toward further bolstering those capabilities.
READ THE STORY: The EurAsian Times
Thousands compromised in ChatGPT-themed scheme
Analyst Comments: This incident highlights the risk of fake browser extensions and the importance of being cautious when downloading such add-ons. It also emphasizes the need for strong and unique passwords for all online accounts, as well as the importance of regularly monitoring account activity for any signs of unauthorized access. It is concerning that threat actors are using the popularity of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to trick and deceive people, and it is likely that such attacks will only become more sophisticated as AI continues to evolve.
FROM THE MEDIA: Researchers at CybelAngel discovered that a fake ChatGPT browser extension for Chrome had exposed millions of login credentials, including those for corporate accounts, to unidentified threat actors. The malicious actors laced the extension with info stealer malware that collected users' browser data, including passwords and credit card information. The threat actors then abused only the Facebook credentials to take over accounts, changing the passwords, names, and photos on the accounts they hacked to those of Netflix's "Emily in Paris" star, Lily Collins. While the Chrome extension has since been removed from the Play Store, at least 6,000 corporate accounts and 7,000 virtual private network accounts were included in the wiped and ransomed database. The incident highlights how easy it is for threat actors to exploit interest in ChatGPT and how generative AI can further facilitate deception.
READ THE STORY: AXIOS
Brazil defies the US, cozies up to Chinese tech on chip building
Analyst Comments: The agreement between Brazil and China to form a working group to pursue semiconductor production in South America signals a growing relationship between Brazil and China's tech industry. This move has come despite US efforts to suppress China's semiconductor industry and to prevent allies from using Chinese telecommunications equipment. The agreements signed between Brazil and China heavily emphasize networking and 5G communications, indicating that Brazil is unlikely to stop using Huawei equipment anytime soon. The success of the China-Brazil semiconductor workgroup remains to be seen, as chip manufacturing is notoriously costly and relies on materials, power, water, and talent. Nonetheless, this move represents a significant step forward in Brazil's relationship with China's tech industry and a shift away from US interests.
FROM THE MEDIA: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping agreed to form a working group to pursue semiconductor production in South America. They signed 15 agreements to promote joint research and development of technologies ranging from satellite rainforest monitoring to investments in 5G communications, internet, and security services. Brazil's courting of Chinese chipmakers comes in opposition to the US-led coalition of countries working to suppress China's semiconductor industry. The US has for years pressured allies and friendly nations to remove Huawei and ZTE gear from their networks, citing national security concerns, including the potential for backdoors planted by the Chinese government.
READ THE STORY: The Register
Russia Has Intensified Its Cyber War Against Ukraine's Partners - Canada's Defense Minister
Analyst Comments: The recent increase in cyber threat activity by Russian-aligned actors targeting Ukraine's partners, as announced by Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, highlights the ongoing tension and conflict between the two countries. This trend of malicious cyber activity is observed globally and frequently targets critical infrastructure networks and technology used to run vital sectors. The use of strategically-timed Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS) against government and business websites further emphasizes the severity of the situation. It is evident that Russia's actions are a direct response to the unwavering support of countries like Canada to Ukraine. This underscores the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity measures and partnerships to counter these threats.
FROM THE MEDIA: Russia has increased its cyber threat activity against Ukraine's partners, including Canada, targeting critical infrastructure networks and technology used to run vital sectors, according to Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand. She said that the cyber activity was a direct response to Canada's support for Ukraine, but it would not deter Canada's backing for the Ukrainian government. The announcement comes after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's visit to Canada, during which Russian hackers managed to disable the official website of the Canadian prime minister for several hours. Technical problems were also recorded on the website of the Canadian Senate.
READ THE STORY: MENAFN
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