Daily Drop (618): Graphcore's Financial Turbulence, Snap's "My AI" Chatbot, Ukrainian "Phantom Skin", UK-Japan Collaboration, Digital Evolution of Browsing, BadBox: 70K Devices Infected, AI PC's
10-08-23
Sunday, Oct 08, 2023 // (IG): BB // Financial Enabler PODCAST // Coffee for Bob
The Rise of White Supremacist Active Clubs on Telegram
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): White supremacist active clubs are increasingly using Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, to spread their ideologies, recruit members, and coordinate activities. The rapid growth of these groups, combined with their use of mainstream platforms to propagate hate and threats, poses significant security and societal challenges.
Analyst Comments: The emergence and growth of white supremacist active clubs on platforms like Telegram is a concerning trend. Their ability to operate relatively unchecked on encrypted messaging apps allows them to recruit, organize, and spread hate speech more effectively. The blending of extremist ideologies with mainstream platforms poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and society at large. As these groups continue to grow and become more emboldened, it's crucial for platforms, policymakers, and communities to take proactive measures to counteract their influence and potential for violence.
FROM THE MEDIA: In recent months, white supremacist active clubs have proliferated across the U.S., leveraging Telegram's encrypted platform to network and spread their extremist views. These clubs present themselves as a "friendlier" face of white supremacy, emphasizing physical fitness and camaraderie while concealing their true intentions. Their growth has been alarming; in just five months, the number of active clubs doubled in geographical spread. A notable incident occurred in Franklin, Tennessee, where Gabrielle Hanson, a pro-MAGA mayoral candidate, was escorted by members of the Tennessee Active Club, a known neo-Nazi group, during a campaign event. The group later used its Telegram channel to issue death threats against local journalists, showcasing the platform's role in facilitating such activities.
READ THE STORY: Wired
Graphcore's Financial Turbulence: A Pivot Point for the AI Chip Market
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Graphcore, once heralded as a potential rival to Nvidia in the AI accelerator domain, is confronting severe financial setbacks. The UK-based AI chip startup urgently needs to secure fresh investments in the coming months to counterbalance its escalating losses and ensure its continued operation.
Analyst Comments: Graphcore's current financial predicament underscores the fierce competition and inherent unpredictability of the AI chip industry. While the company's innovative technology has garnered commendations and even found itself in discussions for significant national projects, it remains overshadowed by industry titans like Nvidia. Graphcore's strategic shift towards cloud computing for AI workloads indicates an adaptive response to market trends. However, the immediate and pressing need for investment, coupled with uncertainties about securing it, casts a shadow over its future trajectory and potential contributions to AI chip advancements.
FROM THE MEDIA: Originating from Bristol, England, Graphcore made waves in the AI accelerator market with its Intelligence Processor Unit (IPU) hardware, the Poplar software stack, and IPU cloud services. However, the financial year ending December 2022 saw the company report a pre-tax loss of $204.6 million, a concerning increase from the $184.5 million loss the previous year. This financial downturn is largely attributed to soaring operating costs, especially those funneled into research and development. Despite these hefty investments, Graphcore's 2022 revenue plummeted by 46% year-on-year to a mere $2.7 million. External macroeconomic factors leading to diminished hardware sales compounded the company's challenges. In a strategic pivot, Graphcore shuttered its operations in Norway, Japan, and South Korea and implemented workforce reductions in the US and UK. As 2022 drew to a close, the company's coffers held $157 million in cash and short-term investments.
READ THE STORY: IE
Global Cybercriminal Operation "BadBox" Infects Over 70,000 Devices with Triada Malware
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Tens of thousands of Android devices, originating from a Chinese manufacturer, have been shipped with backdoored firmware, as warned by cybersecurity vendor Human Security. These compromised devices have been found on public school networks across the U.S. The devices are part of a larger cybercriminal operation named "BadBox," which has infected them with the Triada malware, enabling various ad-fraud schemes and potential unauthorized installations.
Analyst Comments: The discovery of such a widespread compromise, especially in the educational sector, underscores the vulnerabilities in the supply chain and the potential risks of sourcing devices from unverified manufacturers. The inability to clean the infected devices highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened cybersecurity measures. It's imperative for institutions, especially those in the educational sector, to ensure the integrity of the devices they integrate into their networks.
FROM THE MEDIA: The global operation "BadBox" has successfully injected a backdoor into the firmware of over 70,000 Android smartphones, CTV boxes, and tablets. This malware, Triada, discovered in 2016, resides in the device's RAM and has been found pre-installed on low-cost Android devices on multiple occasions. The infected devices are being used by threat actors to carry out ad-fraud schemes, including one named "PeachPit." This scheme has affected 121,000 Android and 159,000 iOS devices. Moreover, the operation allows the creation of hidden WebViews used for ad requests and the establishment of WhatsApp and Gmail accounts for malicious activities. The backdoor's connection to C2 servers also means new apps or code can be remotely installed without the device owner's knowledge.
READ THE STORY: Slashdot
Snap's "My AI" Chatbot Faces UK Regulatory Scrutiny
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Snap Inc.'s generative AI chatbot, "My AI", embedded in its app, is under preliminary investigation by the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for potential privacy risks, especially concerning data from children aged 13 to 17.
Analyst Comments: The ICO's preliminary notice to Snap Inc. underscores the growing regulatory focus on tech companies' data privacy practices, especially when minors are involved. The integration of AI in popular apps, combined with data processing, is becoming a significant area of concern for regulators globally. If Snap fails to address the ICO's concerns adequately, it could face restrictions or bans on its app's features in the UK, potentially setting a precedent for other tech companies and impacting its sizable user base in the region.
FROM THE MEDIA: The ICO has issued a preliminary enforcement notice to the American camera and social media company, Snap Inc., highlighting concerns about the "My AI" chatbot feature in Snapchat, which is based on OpenAI’s GPT technology. Initially introduced to UK Snapchat+ subscribers in February and later to the entire user base in April, the feature has come under scrutiny for possibly not adequately assessing the privacy threats it poses, especially to minors. As of May, Snapchat boasted over 21 million monthly active users in the UK. If Snap doesn't address the ICO's concerns satisfactorily, it might be required to halt the processing of data related to "My AI" for UK users.
READ THE STORY: The Record
Ukrainian "Phantom Skin": A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): A groundbreaking "invisibility cloak" named "Phantom Skin" has been developed by an anonymous Ukrainian scientist. This material is designed to conceal the heat signatures of troops and equipment, rendering them undetectable to Russian drones' infrared and thermal sensors.
Analyst Comments: The development of the "Phantom Skin" underscores the rapid technological advancements in modern warfare, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The cloak's ability to shield troops from drone surveillance offers a significant tactical advantage, especially given the increasing reliance on drones in contemporary conflicts. While the cloak's long-term impact on warfare remains to be seen, its immediate utility in the Ukrainian context is evident. The international defense community's interest in such technology is likely to grow, given its potential to revolutionize stealth operations and troop protection.
FROM THE MEDIA: In the ever-evolving theater of war, the need for advanced protective gear is paramount. The recent creation of the "Phantom Skin" by a Ukrainian material scientist is a testament to this. This innovative cloak, developed in response to reported Russian aggressions in the town of Bucha, is already being deployed on the Ukrainian frontlines. Made from a black plasticized material resembling a camping tarp, the "Phantom Skin" effectively blocks the emission of heat signals from both humans and military equipment. This makes individuals and assets wearing or covered by the cloak invisible to infrared or thermal sensors commonly found on drones. The cloak's exact composition remains confidential, but it is known to incorporate nanotechnology compounds, including graphene, which possess heat-masking or absorbing properties.
READ THE STORY: IE
UK-Japan Collaboration: Revolutionizing Space Telemetry with InRange
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are collaborating on a groundbreaking in-orbit telemetry relay service named InRange. This service is designed to support Japan's latest launch rocket, the H3, by eliminating the need for line-of-sight coverage with ground stations during crucial launch stages.
Analyst Comments: The UK-Japan partnership on the InRange telemetry service underscores the evolving landscape of space exploration and the increasing importance of international collaborations. The integration of advanced telemetry services like InRange can significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of space launches. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, innovations like these will play a pivotal role in ensuring successful and cost-effective missions.
FROM THE MEDIA: The innovative InRange service is set to redefine the dynamics of space telemetry. By using InRange for the H3 launch vehicle, trajectories can be optimized, eliminating the dependence on direct visual contact with ground stations during pivotal launch moments. This advancement, as highlighted by JAXA, can lead to reduced fuel consumption for placing spacecraft in orbit, thereby increasing payload capacity. Paul Bate, UKSA's chief executive, emphasized that InRange would alleviate the strain on terrestrial systems. The telemetry service will leverage the geostationary ELERA L-band satellite network by Inmarsat-Viasat in a deal valued at over $2 million (£1.7 million). JAXA will spearhead the development of the transmitter and antenna and will also oversee the integration of the service into the terrestrial infrastructure.
READ THE STORY: The Register
The Digital Evolution of Browsing: From Passive Observation to Active Participation
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The act of browsing, which historically represented a leisurely and uncommitted activity in physical spaces, has undergone a significant transformation in the digital realm. Modern internet browsers not only document our actions but also actively shape our online experiences based on our habits, challenging the traditional boundaries between passive observation and active participation.
Analyst Comments: The transition of browsing from a physical to a digital activity underscores the profound influence of technology on human behavior. While modern internet browsers provide unparalleled access to information, they also guide user attention in specific directions, influenced by underlying algorithms and commercial interests. This evolution challenges traditional notions of free will and agency in the digital age, prompting reflection on how our tools increasingly dictate our experiences and perceptions.
FROM THE MEDIA: Historically, the term "browser" described herbivores that consumed buds and twigs. By the 19th century, with the rise of European shopping arcades, "browsing" evolved to mean leisurely window shopping without the intent to purchase. This physical act of browsing was a manifestation of the era's philosophy of curious leisure. However, the digital age brought a paradigm shift. The introduction of the first web browser by Tim Berners-Lee in 1990 marked the beginning of this transformation. By 1993, the Mosaic browser made the internet accessible to the everyday user, transitioning it from a domain for specialists to a public sphere. As browsers like Chrome and Safari emerged, the act of browsing became dynamic. Unlike in physical spaces, where one's attention doesn't alter the environment, online browsing is responsive. The internet adjusts its content based on user interactions, making every online action a form of participation in commerce.
READ THE STORY: Wired
The Rise of AI PCs: A New Era or Just Marketing Hype
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Major PC manufacturers, including Lenovo and HP, are hinting at the introduction of AI-integrated personal computers (AI PCs) that promise enhanced user experiences and faster processing. However, clear definitions and technical details of what constitutes an AI PC remain elusive, raising questions about the tangible benefits and potential costs of these devices.
Analyst Comments: The buzz around AI PCs suggests a significant shift in the personal computing landscape, with manufacturers betting on AI integration as the next big thing. While the potential benefits, such as enhanced user experience and faster processing, are enticing, the lack of clear definitions and technical details raises concerns. It remains to be seen whether AI PCs will truly revolutionize the user experience or if they are merely a marketing strategy to drive sales of more expensive devices. As the technology evolves, consumers and businesses alike will need to weigh the tangible benefits against potential costs, especially concerning data privacy and security.
FROM THE MEDIA: At the Canalys EMEA Forum 2023, executives from top PC manufacturing companies expressed enthusiasm about the potential of AI PCs to boost their profit margins. Lenovo announced plans to introduce an AI PC form factor between the latter half of 2024 and early 2025, though specifics were withheld. According to Luca Rossi, senior vice president at Lenovo, an AI PC is envisioned as a device that continuously learns from the user, offering a more natural interaction. Rossi also hinted at performance capabilities, suggesting systems that can process data at 40 trillion operations per second. Meanwhile, HP CEO Enrique Lores emphasized the security and cost benefits of AI PCs, noting that they would not require cloud uploads, thereby reducing latency and costs. Despite the promises, there remains ambiguity around the exact definition of an AI PC, with Canalys CEO Steve Brazier highlighting the challenges in distinguishing an AI PC from a regular PC.
READ THE STORY: The Register
Items of interest
Tensions Surge in Israel: Hostage Crisis and Naval Offensives
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The Israel-Hamas conflict has reached a critical juncture with Hamas taking Israeli hostages for a potential exchange, while the Israeli Navy intensifies its counter-terrorism operations.
Analyst Comments: The current dynamics between Israel and Hamas are highly combustible. The audacious move by Hamas to take hostages indicates a shift in their strategy, possibly aiming to leverage international pressure on Israel. Israel's decisive naval and aerial responses signal their commitment to neutralizing immediate threats. The situation demands urgent international diplomatic intervention to de-escalate tensions and avert a full-blown conflict.
FROM THE MEDIA: Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri announced the capture of a significant number of Israeli hostages, aiming to exchange them for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons on terrorism charges. This alarming development was substantiated by online footage showcasing Palestinians abducting Israeli residents and relocating them to the Gaza Strip. In a swift response to the escalating threats, the Israeli Navy launched a series of attacks. They targeted terrorists on Zikim Beach and struck Islamic Jihad ships anchored in the Gaza Strip. The navy also thwarted an attempt by five Hamas ships trying to breach Israeli waters. Amidst these developments, Israel's leadership has declared a state of emergency, with Prime Minister Netanyahu proclaiming the nation to be in a state of war. The Israeli Air Force, in retaliation to Hamas's provocations, has initiated strikes on 21 Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip.
READ THE STORY: Gazeta.ru
How the Hamas Attack on Israel Unfolded (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: Hamas militants breached Israeli checkpoint locations along the border with Gaza, neutralizing Israeli forces, and allowing Hamas to spread into nearby towns.
Moment Israeli airstrike hits Gaza tower block after Hamas attack (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: Israeli airstrikes destroyed a tower block in Gaza City after Hamas militants launched a rocket and air attack on Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning.
These open-source products are reviewed by analysts at InfoDom Securities, providing possible context about current media trends related to the realm of cyber security. The stories selected cover a broad array of cyber threats and are intended to aid readers in framing key publicly discussed threats and overall situational awareness. InfoDom Securities does not endorse any third-party claims made in their original material or related links on their sites; the opinions expressed by third parties are theirs alone. For further questions, please contact InfoDom Securities at dominanceinformation@gmail.com.