Monday, April 24, 2023 // (IG): BB // Financial Enabler // Coffee for Bob
Wagner in Sudan: What have Russian mercenaries been up to
Analyst Comments: The allegations that Wagner has been involved in mapping undersea power cables in Sudan and its previous activities in the country have raised concerns about the safety of Sizewell and other power plants. The Wagner Group has been accused of conducting "paramilitary operations, support for preserving authoritarian regimes, and exploitation of natural resources." While the US Treasury claims that the group has conducted paramilitary operations and exploitation of natural resources in Sudan, there is no direct evidence of its involvement in the current conflict in the country.
FROM THE MEDIA: According to BBC News, allegations that Russia's Wagner mercenary force has commercial and military ties to Sudan have led to concerns about the safety of the Sizewell nuclear plants. While the Wagner Group has denied any involvement in the current conflict in the country, there is evidence of its previous activities in Sudan. A US Treasury report alleges that Russian gold-mining companies M Invest and Meroe Gold are fronts for the activities of the Wagner Group in Sudan, which is Africa's third-biggest gold producer. In addition, gold has been transported to the Central African Republic, where Wagner is known to operate.
READ THE STORY: BBC
Department of Homeland Security bets on AI to help handle China
Analyst Comments: The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force demonstrates the US government's recognition of the importance of AI in addressing national security issues. The focus on enhancing supply chains, detecting forced labor, and managing risk through AI reflects the growing need for advanced technologies in addressing complex issues. However, the potential misuse and bias of AI should be considered, particularly in regard to the impact on human rights and discrimination. The department's emphasis on combating human trafficking and exploitation are commendable, but the success of such efforts remains to be seen.
FROM THE MEDIA: The US Department of Homeland Security has established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force to search for AI tools that can detect and defend against threats to national security, particularly those posed by China. The task force aims to enhance supply chains, screen cargo, identify goods made through forced labor, manage risk, and detect fentanyl shipments. In a speech, the Secretary of the department, Alejandro Mayorkas, warned of the potential consequences of "failures of imagination" and urged for the adoption of AI tools to avoid them. The department's five existing missions have been updated to include combating human trafficking and other crimes of exploitation.
READ THE STORY: The Register
Chip designer Arm makes its own advanced prototype semiconductor
Analyst Comments: The development of the prototype chip represents Arm's efforts to showcase its designs to the wider market and attract new customers. The move also reflects SoftBank's push for growth, as Arm seeks to increase prices and royalties charged to device-makers. While the prototype chip is intended to demonstrate Arm's capabilities, some in the semiconductor industry are concerned that it could make Arm a competitor to its biggest customers. The risk of losing customers, as highlighted in Arm's annual report, could be offset by increasing prices and royalties, as well as creating new revenue streams through chip-making.
FROM THE MEDIA: Arm, the UK-based semiconductor design firm, is developing a prototype chip to showcase its most advanced designs. Arm traditionally sells its designs to chip manufacturers, but this chip will be developed in partnership with manufacturers to highlight the power and capabilities of its designs to the wider market. Arm has formed a bigger team to execute the project and is targeting the product at chip manufacturers more than software developers. The prototype chip will demonstrate Arm's commitment to enhancing the performance and security of its designs while expanding developer access to its products. However, some in the semiconductor industry fear that Arm may seek to sell or license the product, which could make it a competitor to some of its biggest customers, including MediaTek and Qualcomm.
READ THE STORY: FT
Russian Hackers Suspected in Ongoing Exploitation of Unpatched PaperCut Servers
Analyst Comments: The warning highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures to protect against potential server exploitation by cybercriminals. The discovery of exposed PaperCut servers and evidence of active exploitation highlights the need for users to update their software and take measures to protect their networks. The potential use of PaperCut exploitation as a foothold for ransomware deployment is concerning and underscores the need for effective cybersecurity measures to be in place. The situation also raises questions about the security of third-party software providers and the potential risks associated with using their software.
FROM THE MEDIA: Print management software provider PaperCut has issued a warning that unpatched servers may be exploited by cybercriminals, citing two vulnerability reports from cybersecurity company Trend Micro. Cybersecurity company Huntress discovered around 1,800 publicly exposed PaperCut servers, with cybercriminals using PaperCut software to install remote management and maintenance software for persistent access and code execution on infected hosts. The domain hosting the tools was registered on April 12, 2023, and also hosted malware. Researchers have warned that the access gained through PaperCut exploitation could potentially lead to ransomware deployment. Users have been advised to upgrade to fixed versions of PaperCut MF and NG to mitigate potential risks.
READ THE STORY: THN
US urges South Korea not to fill China shortfalls if Beijing bans Micron chips
Analyst Comments: The US government's request to South Korea is part of its efforts to rally allies to counter China's economic coercion. While the US has previously worked with allies to counter China in the security area in the Indo-Pacific, this is the first known occasion that it has asked an ally to enlist its companies to play a role. The request underscores how chips are at the heart of some of the deepest fault lines between Washington and Beijing. While Samsung and SK Hynix will not welcome efforts to curtail their business in China, the US may have some leverage since it gave South Korean companies with chip fabrication facilities in China waivers to allow them to export from the country when it unveiled sweeping chip-related export controls on China last October. The Micron case has become a litmus test of whether Beijing is willing to take coercive economic measures against a major US company for the first time.
FROM THE MEDIA: The US government has requested South Korea to urge its chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix not to fill the market gap in China if Beijing bans Idaho-based Micron from selling chips. This request comes as President Yoon Suk Yeol travels to Washington for a state visit, and as China launches a national security review into Micron. US officials and business executives believe that the CAC probe is Beijing’s retaliation against the tough actions that President Joe Biden has taken to help prevent China from obtaining or producing advanced semiconductors. The Micron case has become a litmus test of whether Beijing is willing to take coercive economic measures against a major US company for the first time.
READ THE STORY: FT
New All-in-One "EvilExtractor" Stealer for Windows Systems Surfaces on the Dark Web
Analyst Comments: The discovery of the EvilExtractor malware highlights the growing trend of malicious actors marketing their tools as educational resources, in a bid to evade detection. The anti-VM features of the malware allow it to elude detection and infect more systems. The rise in phishing attacks and SEO poisoning campaigns indicates that threat actors continue to innovate to evade detection and infiltrate systems. As always, it is essential to keep software up-to-date, ensure users only download software from known and trusted websites and have privileges to install software and run scripts on their computers.
FROM THE MEDIA: A new type of malware, named EvilExtractor, has been detected by Fortinet FortiGuard Labs in March 2023. The malware is being marketed as an “all-in-one” educational tool but has been adopted by threat actors as an information stealer. EvilExtractor includes various modules to extract system metadata, passwords, and cookies from various web browsers, record keystrokes, and even act as ransomware by encrypting files on the target system. The malware primarily steals browser data and information from compromised endpoints and then uploads it to the attacker's FTP server. The malware has Anti-VM functions and includes environment checking. It can activate the webcam and capture screenshots. Fortinet has observed a surge in attacks spreading the malware in Europe and the US. The malware has also been used as part of a phishing email campaign. It is being sold on cybercrime forums since October 2022 by an actor named Kodex.
READ THE STORY: THN
China to test out 3D printing technology on Moon to build habitats
Analyst Comments: China's push to develop 3D printing technology for building structures on the moon highlights its growing ambition in space exploration. The country's long-term goal of inhabiting the moon requires a sustainable and cost-effective way of constructing and maintaining structures. The use of 3D printing technology can address some of these challenges. While this technology is still in its infancy, China's commitment to investing in space exploration and advanced technologies could accelerate the development of 3D printing for space applications.
FROM THE MEDIA: China is considering using 3D printing technology to build structures on the moon, as part of its long-term plan to inhabit the moon. In 2013, China made its first lunar landing, and in 2020 the Chang'e 5 mission brought back to Earth the country's first lunar soil samples. China aims to land an astronaut on the moon by 2030, and in the meantime, it plans to launch Chang'e 6, 7, and 8 missions. The Chang'e 8 mission will conduct on-site investigations and determine if 3D printing technology can be deployed on the lunar surface to set up stations using the moon's own materials.
READ THE STORY: ET
SpaceX rocket launch explosion a setback for LEO satellite supply chain
Analyst Comments: The midair explosion of a SpaceX Starship rocket during a test flight has caused a setback for the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market, as the supply chain for LEO satellites depends on the availability of sufficient rockets to maintain momentum. Taiwanese companies in the SpaceX supply chain include Wistron NeWeb, Universal Microwave Technology (UMT), Win Semiconductors, and Tong Hsing Electronic. UMT, which is a supplier for many major LEO satellite firms, including SpaceX, is expected to see a 23-25% growth for its LEO-related product segment. Wistron NeWeb has entered the SpaceX supply chain for customer premises equipment (CPE), while Win Semi's chairman sees opportunities for compound semiconductors in the coming age of the Internet of Everything. Tong Hsing, which is known for its backend services for automotive and handset CMOS sensors, has already obtained certifications from the military product segment and has been able to quickly enter the SpaceX supply chain.
FROM THE MEDIA: The midair explosion of the SpaceX Starship rocket is causing delays and setbacks for the LEO satellite market, but the industry is still expected to grow in the long term. Taiwanese companies in the SpaceX supply chain, such as UMT and Wistron NeWeb, may face some delays due to the incident and SpaceX delays in 2022, but they are still expected to see growth in their LEO-related product segments. The importance of satellite communication in the coming age of the Internet of Everything suggests that the LEO satellite market will continue to expand, and companies with experience in RF module packaging, such as Tong Hsing, may have opportunities for growth in the industry.
READ THE STORY: DIGITIMES
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