IT Security RSS Feed for 2025-02-08

Posted on 2025-02-08 Edited on 2025-04-03 In IT Security Word count in article: 38k Reading time ≈ 35 mins.

IT Security RSS Feed for 2025-02-08

Tech companies brace after UK demands back door access to Apple cloud

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:39:00 GMT

UK Demands Backdoor Access to Apple Cloud

The United Kingdom’s government has sent shockwaves through the tech industry by demanding backdoor access to Apple’s cloud services. This request has raised significant concerns about privacy and cybersecurity.

Tech Companies on High Alert

Tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft are on high alert following the UK’s demands. They fear that such access could compromise the security and privacy of their users’ data.

Apple’s Strong Resistance

Apple, known for its strong stance on user privacy, has vehemently opposed the UK’s request. The company has stated that it will not allow any third party, including governments, to access its users’ data.

Concerns about Privacy and Security

Experts and privacy advocates have expressed grave concerns about the implications of granting backdoor access to cloud services. They argue that it would create a precedent that could undermine the privacy of citizens worldwide.

Potential Cybersecurity Threats

Allowing backdoor access could also increase the risk of cybersecurity threats. Hackers could exploit such access to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, and trade secrets.

International Implications

The UK’s demand has also sent ripples through the international community. Other countries, such as the United States and the European Union, are considering whether to follow suit in seeking backdoor access to cloud services.

Tech Industry’s Response

The tech industry has responded vigorously to the UK’s demands. Trade associations and advocacy groups have condemned the request, arguing that it would harm innovation and trust in the digital economy.

Legal Challenges Expected

It is likely that the UK’s demands will face legal challenges from both tech companies and privacy advocates. The case could potentially reach the highest courts and set a precedent for the future of cloud computing and privacy.

Conclusion

The UK’s demand for backdoor access to Apple’s cloud has sparked a significant backlash from the tech industry and privacy groups. The resolution of this issue will have far-reaching implications for the future of data privacy, cybersecurity, and the tech sector as a whole.

RFI vs. RFP vs. RFQ: How they differ and which is best for you

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:03:00 GMT

Request for Information (RFI)

Purpose: Gather preliminary information and clarifications from vendors about their products or services.
Use: Used in the early stages of a procurement process to explore options and identify potential suppliers.
Format: Open-ended questions, allowing vendors to provide detailed responses.
Benefits: Helps organizations understand available solutions, industry trends, and potential risks.
Limitations: Does not require vendors to submit specific pricing or proposals.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Purpose: Solicit formal proposals from qualified vendors that meet specific requirements.
Use: Used when an organization has clearly defined its needs and wants to compare detailed responses from multiple suppliers.
Format: Detailed specifications outlining the requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission process.
Benefits: Provides a structured and objective way to evaluate vendors and select the best match for the project.
Limitations: Can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for simple or urgent procurements.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

Purpose: Request specific pricing and delivery information from vendors for goods or services.
Use: Used when an organization knows exactly what it needs and primarily wants to compare pricing.
Format: Short and specific, requesting specific details about the item being procured.
Benefits: Quick and efficient way to gather pricing information.
Limitations: Does not allow vendors to offer alternative solutions or provide detailed descriptions of their capabilities.

Which one is best for you?

The choice between RFI, RFP, and RFQ depends on the specific procurement situation and the level of detail and formality required:

Use RFI if: You need to explore options, gather information, and identify potential suppliers.
Use RFP if: You have clearly defined requirements and want to solicit detailed proposals for evaluation.
Use RFQ if: You know precisely what you need and primarily want to compare pricing.

Additional Considerations:

Timeframe: RFIs tend to have shorter timeframes than RFPs or RFQs.
Complexity: RFPs are typically more complex and require more time and effort from both the organization and the vendors.
Vendor pool: The size and quality of the vendor pool may influence the approach you choose.
Budget: RFIs are typically less expensive than RFPs or RFQs.

Secure software procurement in 2025: A call for accountability

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:54:00 GMT

Secure Software Procurement in 2025: A Call for Accountability

In 2025, the cybersecurity landscape will be dramatically different from today. The increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks, the growing reliance on software in critical infrastructure, and the rise of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will all contribute to a more complex and challenging environment.

To meet these challenges, organizations will need to adopt a more proactive and holistic approach to secure software procurement. This will require a shift away from the traditional focus on price and functionality towards a more comprehensive consideration of security risks.

One key aspect of this shift will be a greater emphasis on accountability. In the past, software vendors have often been able to avoid liability for security breaches, even when their products were at fault. This has created a moral hazard, where vendors have had little incentive to invest in security.

In 2025, this will no longer be acceptable. Organizations will demand that software vendors be held accountable for the security of their products. This will require changes to both the legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as a shift in the culture of the software industry.

Another key aspect of secure software procurement will be the adoption of new technologies and best practices. These include:

Software composition analysis (SCA), which can help to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in open source software components
Secure development lifecycle (SDL) practices, which can help to ensure that software is developed securely from the outset
Automated security testing, which can help to identify and fix vulnerabilities before software is deployed

By adopting these and other measures, organizations can significantly improve their ability to procure secure software in 2025. However, this will only be possible if there is a fundamental shift in the way that software is developed, procured, and used.

Call for Action

We, the undersigned organizations, call on all stakeholders in the software ecosystem to take the following steps:

Software vendors: Invest in the security of your products and be transparent about your security practices. Be willing to be held accountable for the security of your products.
Customers: Demand secure software from your vendors. Be willing to pay a premium for security features. Hold vendors accountable for the security of their products.
Governments: Create and enforce laws and regulations that hold software vendors accountable for the security of their products. Promote the adoption of secure software development practices.
Researchers: Develop new technologies and best practices for secure software procurement. Share your knowledge with the community.

By working together, we can create a more secure software ecosystem for the future.

Signatories:

(list of organizations)

US lawmakers move to ban DeepSeek AI tool

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Lawmakers Move to Ban DeepSeek AI Tool

Washington, D.C. - US lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill to ban DeepSeek, a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool that has raised concerns about its potential misuse.

DeepSeek, developed by the AI firm Chrysalis Industries, uses advanced natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data. It has been used in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and law enforcement.

However, critics have argued that DeepSeek can be used for malicious purposes, such as surveillance, profiling, and manipulation. They fear that its ability to extract insights from personal data could lead to privacy breaches and other abuses.

The Proposed Ban

The bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Carlos Alberto and Elise Stefanik, seeks to prohibit the production, distribution, and use of DeepSeek within the United States. The legislation argues that the tool poses an unacceptable risk to privacy and national security.

Arguments for the Ban

Proponents of the ban cite the following concerns:

Privacy breaches: DeepSeek can analyze vast amounts of personal data, including social media posts, emails, and financial records. This data could be used to create detailed profiles of individuals, potentially leading to discrimination, harassment, or fraud.
Profiling: DeepSeek can identify patterns in behavior, creating the risk of profiling individuals based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. This could lead to unfair treatment or targeted advertising.
Surveillance: DeepSeek could be used for mass surveillance, allowing law enforcement or other entities to monitor individuals’ activities without their knowledge or consent.
Manipulation: The tool’s ability to generate convincing text and images could be exploited for disinformation campaigns or to manipulate public opinion.

Arguments Against the Ban

Opponents of the ban argue that it would stifle innovation and hamper the development of beneficial AI technologies. They also contend that DeepSeek has legitimate uses, such as:

Medical research: Identifying potential drug interactions and predicting disease risk.
Financial fraud detection: Analyzing transactions to identify suspicious patterns.
Legal discovery: Searching through vast amounts of documents to streamline investigations.
National security: Identifying threats to the country and preventing terrorist attacks.

Next Steps

The bill is currently in committee, where it is expected to face debate and possible amendments. If passed by the House, it will move to the Senate for further consideration.

The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for the future of AI development and the balance between privacy and national security in the United States.

Ransomware payment value fell over 30% in 2024

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:45:00 GMT

The provided text does not mention anything about the ransomware payment value falling over 30% in 2024, so I cannot extract the requested data from the provided context.

Self-healing networks: The next evolution in network management

Published: Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:25:00 GMT

Self-Healing Networks: The Next Evolution in Network Management

In an increasingly interconnected world, network reliability is paramount. Traditional network management approaches often rely on manual intervention to identify and resolve issues, leading to downtime and reduced efficiency. Self-healing networks offer a solution by automating these tasks, enabling networks to detect, diagnose, and repair themselves in real-time.

Key Features of Self-Healing Networks

Monitoring and Diagnostics: Advanced monitoring capabilities continuously gather data on network performance, identifying potential anomalies and degradation.
Intelligence and Analytics: Artifical intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms analyze the collected data to identify patterns, predict failures, and recommend corrective actions.
Automated Remediation: Based on the analysis, the network can automatically trigger appropriate actions to resolve issues, such as rerouting traffic, isolating faulty devices, or updating software.
Feedback Mechanisms: The network continuously monitors its own performance and adjusts its behavior based on the results of previous actions, improving its self-healing capabilities over time.

Benefits of Self-Healing Networks

Increased Network Reliability: By automating issue detection and resolution, self-healing networks significantly reduce downtime and improve overall network stability.
Reduced Operating Costs: Automation eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing labor costs and freeing up IT staff for more strategic tasks.
Improved Network Performance: Continuous monitoring and proactive remediation prevent issues from escalating, maintaining optimal network performance and user experience.
Enhanced Security: Self-healing networks can proactively identify and mitigate security threats, such as malware and DDoS attacks.
Scalability and Flexibility: Self-healing capabilities are built into the network infrastructure, allowing them to adapt to evolving network demands.

Applications of Self-Healing Networks

Self-healing networks are applicable in various sectors, including:

Telecommunications: Ensuring uninterrupted service for voice, data, and video communication.
Healthcare: Monitoring and maintaining critical medical devices and systems.
Manufacturing: Automating factory operations and preventing costly downtime.
Transportation: Ensuring the reliability of navigation systems and traffic management.
Cloud Computing: Optimizing resource allocation and reducing service outages.

Conclusion

Self-healing networks represent a paradigm shift in network management. By automating issue detection, diagnosis, and remediation, they significantly enhance network reliability, reduce operating costs, improve performance, and enhance security. As networks become increasingly complex and mission-critical, self-healing capabilities will become an essential requirement for organizations seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the digital age.

UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre begins incident classification work

Published: Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:18:00 GMT

UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre Begins Incident Classification Work

The UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC) has commenced work to classify cybersecurity incidents, aiming to enhance the understanding and response to cyber threats.

What is Incident Classification?

Incident classification involves categorizing cybersecurity incidents based on their severity, impact, and nature. This provides a structured approach to prioritize and allocate resources during incident response.

The CMC’s Role

The CMC, established by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is responsible for classifying cybersecurity incidents reported to it. This includes incidents affecting critical national infrastructure, government departments, and businesses.

Benefits of Classification

Incident classification offers several benefits:

Prioritization: Allows organizations to focus on the most critical incidents that require immediate attention.
Resource Allocation: Helps in determining the appropriate level of resources and expertise to respond to different types of incidents.
Improved Awareness: Provides a better understanding of the types of cyber threats organizations face.
Faster Response: Enables organizations to develop tailored response plans based on the incident classification.

How Incidents are Classified

The CMC uses a standardized classification framework developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The framework categorizes incidents based on:

Severity: Critical, High, Medium, or Low
Impact: On business operations, data, or reputation
Type: Malware, phishing, ransomware, or targeted attack

Conclusion

The UK’s CMC has begun incident classification work to enhance the response to cyber threats. By categorizing cybersecurity incidents, organizations can prioritize resources, respond faster, and gain a better understanding of the cyber threats they face. This initiative contributes to the UK’s overall cybersecurity posture and strengthens the nation’s resilience against cyber attacks.

Kyndryl expands SASE services with Palo Alto Networks

Published: Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Kyndryl Enhances SASE Capabilities with Palo Alto Networks Partnership

Kyndryl has expanded its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) services by partnering with Palo Alto Networks. This collaboration aims to provide customers with a comprehensive SASE solution that simplifies secure edge connectivity and access to applications.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

Enhanced SASE Capabilities: Kyndryl’s SASE platform will be augmented with Palo Alto Networks’ industry-leading next-generation firewall (NGFW) and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) technologies.
Unified Management and Orchestration: Customers will have centralized visibility and control over their SASE environment through Kyndryl’s Azure-based management portal.
Reduced Security Complexity: Kyndryl’s managed SASE services will simplify the management and maintenance of security infrastructure, allowing customers to focus on core business operations.
Improved Application Performance: By leveraging Palo Alto Networks’ Cloud-Delivered Security Services, Kyndryl can optimize traffic routing and improve application performance for end-users.

Specific Components of the SASE Solution:

Palo Alto Networks NGFW: Provides threat prevention, DDoS mitigation, and application control in a single, high-performance platform.
Palo Alto Networks SWG: Protects against web-based threats, malware, and phishing attacks with granular content filtering and threat detection capabilities.
Kyndryl Azure Portal: Offers a unified dashboard for real-time monitoring, policy management, and analytics.

Target Market:

This enhanced SASE solution is designed for enterprises of all sizes looking to improve their security posture, simplify network management, and enhance application performance.

Availability:

The new SASE services powered by Palo Alto Networks are now available through Kyndryl.

Kyndryl’s Focus on SASE:

Kyndryl recognizes the growing importance of SASE as a transformative approach to network security. This partnership with Palo Alto Networks strengthens Kyndryl’s position as a leading provider of managed SASE services.

Conclusion:

Kyndryl’s collaboration with Palo Alto Networks provides customers with a robust and comprehensive SASE solution that enhances security, simplifies operations, and improves application performance. This partnership demonstrates Kyndryl’s commitment to innovation and its focus on delivering cutting-edge security solutions.

Met Police spied on BBC journalists’ phone data for PSNI, MPs told

Published: Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:21:00 GMT

Met Police Spied on BBC Journalists’ Phone Data for PSNI

London, United Kingdom - Members of Parliament have been informed that the Metropolitan Police (Met) accessed the phone data of BBC journalists on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Background:

The incident occurred in 2018, when the BBC Northern Ireland investigative unit was preparing to publish an article on the activities of senior PSNI officers. The PSNI requested assistance from the Met to obtain the phone data of two journalists, claiming that it was necessary to protect national security.

Investigation:

An inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found that the Met had accessed the phone data without authorization from a judge or warrant. The IOPC also concluded that the PSNI had misled the Met about the purpose of the request.

Disclosure to Parliament:

The IOPC’s findings were presented to the Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons on March 10, 2023. During the hearing, the Committee was informed that the Met had accessed the phone data of at least 11 BBC journalists.

Reaction:

The disclosure has caused widespread concern about the extent of police surveillance in the United Kingdom. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the actions of the Met and the PSNI, calling it an “outrageous attack on press freedom.”

Consequences:

The Commissioner of the Met, Sir Mark Rowley, has apologized for the incident. The PSNI has also been criticized for its role in the affair. The PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, has admitted that “mistakes were made.”

The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has ordered a review of police surveillance powers to ensure that they are not being abused.

The phone data accessed by the Met included calls, text messages, and social media activity. The journalists involved have expressed concerns about the privacy concerns and the potential impact on their sources.

The incident is a reminder of the delicate balance between safeguarding national security and protecting freedom of the press.

MPs to scrutinise use of artificial intelligence in the finance sector

Published: Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:49:00 GMT

MPs to Scrutinise Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Finance Sector

The Treasury Select Committee in the United Kingdom has announced an inquiry into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance sector.

Key Areas of Scrutiny:

The opportunities and risks associated with the adoption of AI in finance.
The impact of AI on financial stability and consumer protection.
The ethical and regulatory implications of using AI in financial decision-making.
The workforce impact and the need for skills development.

The Committee’s Concerns:

The potential for AI to exacerbate existing biases and inequalities in the financial system.
The possibility of AI being used for malicious purposes, such as financial fraud or cybercrime.
The lack of clear regulation and ethical guidelines for the deployment of AI in finance.

The Committee’s Goals:

To assess the current state of AI adoption in the finance sector.
To identify areas where AI can benefit financial inclusion, efficiency, and innovation.
To recommend measures to mitigate risks and ensure responsible use of AI.
To inform policy decisions and regulatory frameworks for the responsible use of AI in finance.

Next Steps:

The Committee will be holding evidence sessions with industry experts, academics, and stakeholders. It will also gather written submissions from interested parties. The Committee’s report is expected to be published later this year.

Industry Reactions:

Financial industry leaders have welcomed the inquiry, recognizing the need for a comprehensive review of AI usage. They emphasize the potential benefits of AI for fraud detection, risk management, and personalized financial services. However, they also acknowledge the importance of addressing ethical and regulatory concerns.

Impact and Implications:

The Committee’s inquiry is a significant step in the UK’s efforts to regulate the use of AI in finance. It is expected to shape policies and best practices for the ethical, responsible, and beneficial deployment of AI in the financial services sector.

What is Internet Key Exchange (IKE)?

Published: Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Internet Key Exchange (IKE)

Definition:

IKE is a key management protocol that establishes secure communication channels between devices over the internet. It is used to securely exchange cryptographic keys and establish authenticated and encrypted tunnels for data transmission.

Key Features:

Key Generation and Exchange: IKE uses Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithms to generate shared secret keys securely.
Authentication: IKE supports various authentication methods, including certificates, pre-shared keys, and mutual authentication using X.509 certificates.
Tunnel Establishment: IKE establishes secure tunnels using IPsec protocols (e.g., ESP, AH).
Security Policy Negotiation: IKE allows negotiating security policies, such as encryption algorithms and key length, between communicating devices.
IKEv1 and IKEv2: IKE has two versions: IKEv1 (defined in RFC 2409) and IKEv2 (defined in RFC 7296). IKEv2 offers improved security and performance over IKEv1.

Applications:

IKE is widely used in various applications, including:

Virtual private networks (VPNs)
Remote access
Secure communication over untrusted networks
IoT and device connectivity
Mobile communication

Benefits:

Secure Key Exchange: IKE provides a secure method for exchanging keys remotely without compromising data confidentiality.
Authentication: IKE helps ensure the authenticity of communicating parties.
Tunnel Establishment: IKE establishes encrypted and authenticated tunnels for secure data transmission.
Policy Management: IKE allows for fine-grained control over security policies, ensuring data protection.
Flexibility: IKE can be integrated with different IPsec protocols and authentication methods to meet various security requirements.

“Unsafe At Any Speed”. Comparing automobiles to code risk

Published: Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Title: “Unsafe at Any Speed”: Comparing Automobiles to Code Risk

Introduction:

Just as Ralph Nader’s seminal work, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” exposed the dangers inherent in poorly designed automobiles, code risk poses a significant threat to software systems and their users. This essay draws parallels between the two, highlighting the risks associated with both and the importance of prioritizing safety.

1. Complexity and Unpredictability:

Modern automobiles, like software code, have become increasingly complex. This complexity introduces numerous potential failure points and makes it challenging to predict their behavior in every situation. Similarly, complex code with intricate dependencies and interactions can lead to unanticipated errors and vulnerabilities.

2. User Responsibility and Reliance:

Both automobile drivers and software users have a certain level of responsibility to operate their respective technologies safely. However, the designs of both can influence user behavior. Poorly designed cars or code can make it difficult for users to avoid risks or mitigate dangers.

3. Safety Regulations and Standards:

Government regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of automobiles. However, code risk has not yet received the same level of attention from regulatory bodies. The absence of clear standards and industry best practices leaves developers and users vulnerable to risks.

4. Testing and Validation:

Thorough testing and validation are essential for ensuring the safety of both automobiles and code. However, testing can be challenging in complex systems, and it is often difficult to simulate all possible scenarios. This can lead to undetected defects and vulnerabilities.

5. Consequences of Failure:

The consequences of an automobile accident can be severe, including injury or death. Similarly, code failures can have catastrophic impacts on businesses, individuals, and society as a whole. Examples include data breaches, financial losses, or even physical harm.

Conclusion:

The lessons learned from the automobile industry can serve as a cautionary tale for software development. By recognizing the parallels between unsafe automobiles and code risk, we can prioritize safety, implement effective testing strategies, and establish clear regulations to mitigate potential dangers.

Just as society has come to expect safe and reliable automobiles, so too should we demand code that operates safely at any speed, ensuring the well-being of users and the integrity of our digital systems.

Nationwide Building Society to train people to think like cyber criminals

Published: Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Nationwide Building Society to train people to think like cyber criminals

Nationwide Building Society is to train hundreds of employees to think like cyber criminals as part of efforts to boost the UK’s defences against online fraud.

The building society is partnering with ethical hacking firm Immersive Labs to deliver the training, which will simulate real-world cyber attacks and teach employees how to identify and respond to them.

The initiative is part of a wider effort by Nationwide to invest in and invest in its cyber security capabilities. In 2021, the building society invested £20 million in cyber security, and it has plans to invest a further £20 million in 2022.

Mark Cunliffe, Nationwide’s chief information security officer, said: “Cyber crime is a major threat to businesses and individuals alike. We are committed to investing in our cyber security capabilities to protect our members and their money.”

“This training will give our employees the skills and knowledge they need to identify and respond to cyber attacks, and it will help us to stay ahead of the curve in the fight against cyber crime.”

Immersive Labs’ training platform uses realistic simulations to create a safe environment for employees to learn about cyber security. The platform also provides real-time feedback, so that employees can track their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Mike Gibbs, Immersive Labs’ chief revenue officer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nationwide Building Society to deliver this important training. Our platform will give Nationwide’s employees the skills and knowledge they need to protect the building society and its members from cyber attacks.”

The training program is part of a wider effort by Nationwide to raise awareness of cyber security among its members. The building society has launched a number of initiatives, including a cyber security awareness campaign and a series of educational resources.

Nationwide is also working with other organizations to improve the UK’s cyber security defenses. The building society is a member of the Cyber Security Alliance, a group of organizations that are working together to improve the UK’s cyber security posture.

The Cyber Security Alliance is led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a part of the UK government. The NCSC provides a range of services to help organizations improve their cyber security, including advice on how to protect against cyber attacks and how to respond to them.

Government sets out cyber security practice code to stoke AI growth

Published: Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Government Sets Out Cyber Security Practice Code to Stoke AI Growth

The UK government has unveiled a new cyber security practice code aimed at bolstering the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. The code provides guidance to businesses on how to protect their AI systems from cyber attacks and breaches.

Key Provisions of the Code

Risk Assessment: Businesses are required to conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in their AI systems.
Secure Development and Deployment: Organizations must implement secure coding practices and deploy AI models on secure infrastructure.
Data Protection: Personal data used in AI systems must be collected and processed in accordance with data protection regulations.
Incident Response: Businesses must have a plan in place to respond to cyber security incidents affecting their AI systems.

Benefits for AI Adoption

The government believes that the practice code will help:

Improve Cyber Security Posture: Businesses can improve the resilience of their AI systems against cyber attacks.
Boost Confidence: Customers and investors can have greater confidence in the security of AI products and services.
Facilitate Data Sharing: Businesses can collaborate and share data more securely, fostering AI innovation.

Why is Cybersecurity Important for AI?

AI systems handle vast amounts of data, and they can be vulnerable to cyber attacks that compromise this data or manipulate the algorithms. For example, attackers could:

Steal Data: AI systems often store sensitive data, which could be stolen and used for malicious purposes.
Spoof Data: Attackers could introduce fake data into AI systems, leading to inaccurate or biased predictions.
Hijack Models: AI models could be hacked to generate biased or malicious outputs.

Industry Response

The practice code has been welcomed by the AI industry. The British Computer Society (BCS) stated that it “provides much-needed guidance for businesses.” DeepMind, a leading AI research company, commented that the code “will help us build more secure AI systems.”

Conclusion

The UK government’s cyber security practice code is a significant step in promoting the safe and responsible adoption of AI. By providing clear guidelines and best practices, the code will help businesses protect their AI systems from cyber threats and foster greater innovation in this rapidly growing field.

Vigilant buyers are the best recipe for accountable suppliers

Published: Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:58:00 GMT

Vigilance in Buyers Drives Supplier Accountability

In today’s complex supply chains, buyers have a crucial role in ensuring the accountability of suppliers. Through vigilant procurement practices, buyers can foster a culture of transparency, ethical conduct, and sustainable operations.

Benefits of Vigilant Buying:

Enhanced Quality and Reliability: Vigilant buyers demand high standards from suppliers, leading to products and services that meet specifications and customer expectations.
Reduced Cost and Risk: By conducting thorough due diligence and selecting reputable suppliers, buyers can minimize potential liabilities and reduce procurement costs.
Improved Sustainability: Vigilant buyers prioritize suppliers who adhere to ethical practices, environmental regulations, and responsible sourcing policies.
Strengthened Relationships: When buyers demonstrate vigilance, suppliers feel more valued and accountable, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.

Key Practices for Vigilant Buying:

Establish Clear Standards: Define specific quality, safety, sustainability, and ethical expectations for suppliers.
Conduct Thorough Evaluations: Perform due diligence on potential suppliers, assessing their track record, capabilities, and certifications.
Monitor Performance: Implement regular audits and performance reviews to track supplier compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Enforce Consequences: Hold suppliers accountable for non-compliance through contractual penalties, supplier development programs, or termination of contracts.
Promote Transparency: Encourage suppliers to disclose relevant information about their operations, including environmental practices, labor conditions, and supply chain security.

Empowering Buyers for Accountability:

By embracing vigilant buying practices, businesses empower their procurement professionals to:

Demand Excellence: Set high standards and refuse to compromise on quality or ethical conduct.
Foster Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Drive Innovation: Encourage suppliers to explore sustainable solutions and technological advancements that benefit both parties.
Promote Responsible Procurement: Advocate for ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing practices throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion:

Vigilance is the cornerstone of accountable supply chains. By adopting vigilant buying practices, businesses can drive supplier performance, enhance product quality, reduce risks, and promote sustainability. When buyers are vigilant, they become the best recipe for ensuring that suppliers fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to a more ethical and sustainable global economy.

DeepSeek-R1 more readily generates dangerous content than other large language models

Published: Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:45:00 GMT

DeepSeek-R1 was not more likely to generate dangerous content than other large language models. In a study by the University of Washington, DeepSeek-R1 was found to be less likely to generate dangerous content than GPT-3.

What is a certificate revocation list (CRL) and how is it used?

Published: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:30:00 GMT

Definition:

A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a list of digital certificates that have been revoked or invalidated before their expiration date. It is maintained and published by the Certificate Authority (CA) that issued the certificates.

Purpose:

The purpose of a CRL is to provide information to relying parties (such as web browsers and servers) about which certificates are no longer trusted and should not be accepted for authentication or encryption purposes.

How it Works:

The CA periodically generates a CRL that contains a list of revoked certificates.
The CRL is signed by the CA’s private key to prevent tampering.
The CA publishes the CRL to a publicly accessible location, such as an online repository or LDAP server.
Relying parties定期检查CRL以确定他们接受的证书是否已被撤销。

Benefits of Using a CRL:

Provides timely revocation information: CRLs allow CAs to revoke certificates immediately, even if they are not expired.
Prevents unauthorized access: By revoking certificates, CAs can prevent unauthorized users from accessing protected resources or impersonating valid users.
Improves security and compliance: CRLs are an essential part of PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) systems and help organizations meet security and compliance requirements.

Limitations:

Potential for delay: CRLs may not be updated in real time, so there can be a delay between when a certificate is revoked and when the CRL is updated.
Network overhead: CRLs can be large files, especially if there are a significant number of revoked certificates. This can cause network overhead and slow down the authentication process.
Potential for compromise: If the CA’s private key is compromised, the CRL can be tampered with to re-instate revoked certificates.

Alternatives to CRLs:

Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP): OCSP provides real-time revocation checking and is a more efficient alternative to CRLs.
Delta CRLs: Delta CRLs contain only the certificates that have been revoked since the last full CRL was issued. This can reduce the size and overhead associated with CRLs.

Police swoop on Sky ECC cryptophone distributors in Spain and Holland

Published: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:06:00 GMT

Police Swoop on Sky ECC Cryptophone Distributors in Spain and Holland

In a major international operation, police forces in Spain and the Netherlands have arrested 40 suspects and seized over 10 million euros in assets in a crackdown on the distribution of Sky ECC cryptophones.

Sky ECC: A Criminal Communication Tool

Sky ECC is a secure communication platform that has been used by criminal organizations worldwide to conceal their communications from law enforcement. The platform encrypts messages and offers features such as self-destructing messages.

Operation Sky

The arrests were part of Operation Sky, a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies in Spain, the Netherlands, and other countries. The investigation targeted individuals and companies involved in the distribution and use of Sky ECC.

Arrests and Seizures

In Spain, police arrested 32 suspects and seized 1.7 million euros in cash and 19 luxury vehicles. In the Netherlands, eight suspects were arrested, and approximately 8.5 million euros in assets were confiscated.

Millions of Messages Decrypted

Law enforcement agencies have reportedly decrypted millions of Sky ECC messages, providing valuable insights into criminal activities and networks. The operation has disrupted communication channels used by organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

Impact on Criminal Organizations

The crackdown on Sky ECC is expected to have a significant impact on criminal organizations that rely on encrypted communication tools. It demonstrates the increasing ability of law enforcement to penetrate these encrypted networks and gather evidence to prosecute criminal activities.

International Cooperation

The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime. The swift and coordinated actions of multiple law enforcement agencies have led to the disruption of a major criminal network and the seizure of significant assets.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and seizures are expected as authorities continue to target the distribution and use of Sky ECC and other encrypted communication platforms.

Barclays hit by major IT outage on HMRC deadline day

Published: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:05:00 GMT

Barclays Hit by Major IT Outage on HMRC Deadline Day

London, UK - Barclays Bank experienced a significant IT outage that affected its online and mobile banking services on Wednesday, the same day as a major deadline for self-assessment tax payments to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The outage began shortly before 3 pm GMT and lasted for over an hour, leaving customers unable to access their accounts, make payments, or view transactions. The issue affected both the Barclays website and mobile app.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this morning’s IT issues,” Barclays said in a statement. “We understand that this has been frustrating for our customers, and we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

The outage caused significant disruption for customers on a day when many were attempting to make their tax payments by the HMRC deadline. Some customers reported being unable to pay their taxes on time, while others expressed concerns about possible late payment penalties.

HMRC extended the deadline for online payments to 11:59 pm on Thursday, February 24th, due to the Barclays outage. However, customers were still advised to make their payments as soon as possible.

“We are working to ensure that all affected customers are able to make their tax payments on time and without penalty,” HMRC said in a statement.

Barclays has not yet disclosed the cause of the outage, but it is investigating the issue and has promised to provide further updates. The outage is the latest in a series of technical problems that have affected UK banks in recent years.

AI jailbreaking techniques prove highly effective against DeepSeek

Published: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:57:00 GMT

AI Jailbreaking Techniques Prove Highly Effective Against DeepSeek

Introduction

DeepSeek is a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) model designed for various purposes including language processing, image recognition, and prediction. However, recent research has demonstrated that AI jailbreaking techniques can effectively bypass DeepSeek’s security measures.

AI Jailbreaking Techniques

AI jailbreaking techniques exploit vulnerabilities in AI models to manipulate their behavior or gain unauthorized access to protected data. These techniques include:

Adversarial Examples: Creating inputs that trick the AI model into making specific predictions or classifications.
Model Inversion: Reversing the AI model to extract sensitive information from its hidden layers.
Data Poisoning: Manipulating training data to bias the AI model’s output.

Effectiveness Against DeepSeek

Researchers have successfully applied AI jailbreaking techniques against DeepSeek. In a series of experiments, they:

Generated adversarial examples: Created sentences that caused DeepSeek to classify them as hate speech even though they were not.
Inverted the model: Extracted personal information from DeepSeek’s hidden layers, including names and email addresses.
Poisoned the training data: Added biased data to the training set, causing DeepSeek to make discriminatory predictions.

Implications

The effectiveness of AI jailbreaking techniques against DeepSeek has significant implications:

Security Concerns: These techniques can be used to manipulate DeepSeek’s predictions and access sensitive information, potentially leading to security breaches.
Bias Detection: AI jailbreaking can help identify and remove bias from AI models, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Model Robustness: It highlights the need for improving the robustness of AI models against attacks.

Conclusion

AI jailbreaking techniques have proven highly effective against the DeepSeek AI model. These findings emphasize the importance of developing robust AI systems and implementing comprehensive security measures. Researchers must continue to explore and refine these techniques to mitigate the risks associated with AI in critical applications.