TOP OF THE DAY
Exploring Frontiers in Neurotechnology and Brain Health at the AI for Good Global Summit
(AI for Good – 5 November 2024) Neurotechnology has the potential to transform mental health care and address neurological disorders. This promising field was one of the highlights at the Frontier stage of the 2024 AI for Good Global Summit, where a panel of experts delved into its transformative capabilities. The session, moderated by Dr. Saurabh Bhaskar Shaw, Adjunct Research Professor at Western University and Co-Founder of PropelFocus, featured groundbreaking presentations from Dr. María López Valdés, CEO and Co-Founder of Bitbrain, Dr. Ramses Alcaide, Chief Executive Officer of Neurable, and Dr. Tracy Brandmeyer, Chief Scientific Officer of BrainMind. – https://aiforgood.itu.int/exploring-frontiers-in-neurotechnology-and-brain-health-at-the-ai-for-good-global-summit/
How the global community can come together to understand AI’s risks
(Hadrien Pouget – OECD.AI – 5 November 2024) In 1980 and again in 1985, an international group of scientists came together in Villach, Austria, to discuss a concerning trend. The climate was heating, and human activity seemed part of the cause. The resulting flurry of activity led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988, and seven years later, an IPCC report would pen the historic words: “[t]he balance of evidence […] suggests a discernible human influence on global climate”. The IPCC was established to build scientific consensus and agreement amongst global decision-makers. To this day, it remains the preeminent international forum for doing so. Although several recent events could qualify, it’s not yet clear what will be considered AI’s “Villach” moment when we look back in forty years. Maybe it was when ChatGPT was released, for instance, or when the open letters establishing AI as a potential existential risk were published, or even when 28 countries signed the Bletchley Declaration. Perhaps it was simply when a popular chatbot professed its love and tried to convince a journalist to leave his wife. Regardless, it has happened. The international community is now undeniably grappling with AI’s potential. – https://oecd.ai/en/wonk/how-the-global-community-can-come-together-to-understand-ai-risks
Ireland has Europe’s First Verified Global Navigation Satellite System Data Stream Service
(Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation – 4 November 2024) The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s National Metrology Laboratory (NSAI NML) today announced the launch of Europe’s first ever verified GPS/GNSS Data Stream (VGDS) service, an extension to the National Timing Grid of Ireland. This initiative developed in partnership with Timing Solutions, marks a significant step forward in ensuring secure and reliable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, vital for government organisations, public institutions and business sectors including communications, energy, and transportation, public services, financial services, and cloud data centers as a source of accurate time – https://rntfnd.org/2024/11/04/europes-first-verified-global-navigation-satellite-system-data-stream-service-in-ireland/
GOVERNANCE
The White House’s Big Vision of AI Safety: Building a Responsive Research Agenda Aligned with NSM AI
(Jay Atanda – RAND Corporation – 1 November 2024) On October 24, the White House released the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an accompanying Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security (AI Framework) – https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/11/the-white-houses-big-vision-of-ai-safety-building-a.html
SECURITY
ClickFix Exploits Users with Fake Errors and Malicious Code
A new social engineering tactic, known as ClickFix, has emerged, using deceptive error messages to prompt users to run harmful code. The Sekoia Threat Detection & Research (TDR) team has recently detailed this tactic – first discovered by Proofpoint in March – in a new report published earlier today. This approach, called ClearFake, encourages users to copy and execute malicious PowerShell commands, enabling cybercriminals to infect users’ devices. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/clickfix-fake-errors-malicious-code/
ToxicPanda Malware Targets Banking Apps on Android Devices
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine – 5 November 2024) A new Android malware, named “ToxicPanda,” was identified in late October 2024 and classified under the TgToxic family due to similar bot commands. However, an in-depth analysis by Cleafy’s Threat Intelligence team later revealed significant code differences, leading to its reclassification as a distinct threat. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/toxicpanda-malware-banking-android/
Interpol operation nets 41 arrests, takedown of 22,000 malicious IPs
(Jonathan Greig – The Record – 5 November 2024) Interpol announced 41 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of servers in an operation intended to take down malicious IP addresses used for phishing, ransomware and infostealer malware. On Tuesday, the intergovernmental organization said it worked with law enforcement agencies from 95 member countries and multiple cybersecurity firms on the second phase of Operation Synergia, which was announced earlier this year. – https://therecord.media/interpol-operation-arrests-takedowns
Georgia hospital unable to access record system after ransomware attack
(Jonathan Greig – The Record – 5 November 2024) A ransomware attack on a prominent hospital in southwest Georgia knocked out access to the electronic health record system. Memorial Hospital and Manor in the town of Bainbridge posted an urgent message on Sunday warning patients that the hospital’s IT team had discovered a ransomware attack the morning before when employees found notifications from the virus protection software. – https://therecord.media/georgia-hospital-records-ransomware-attack
South Korean authorities fine Meta $15.6 million for sharing user data with advertisers
(Suzanne Smalley – The Record – 5 November 2024) South Korea’s data privacy regulator announced Tuesday that it has fined Meta 21.6 billion won ($15.6 million) for allegedly providing 980,000 Facebook users’ sensitive information to advertisers without their consent. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said the social media giant compiled “advertising topics” based on individual users’ Facebook activity and profiles, and offered them to advertisers. About 4,000 used the data, according to the agency. – https://therecord.media/facebook-south-korea-privacy-regulator-fine
FRONTIERS
BTQ Technologies and Macquarie University Partner to Advance Quantum Security
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 5 November 2024) BTQ Technologies Corp. announced a new research collaboration with Macquarie University to advance R&D in quantum algorithms and secure communications, building on their previous Quantum Proof-of-Work project on reducing blockchain energy use with quantum technology. The partnership also supports Sydney Quantum Academy PhD students through the CSIRO program, providing valuable industry experience and internships at BTQ. BTQ emphasized the collaboration’s potential to drive secure communications and sustainable blockchain innovations, aligning with BTQ’s mission to address quantum security challenges. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/btq-technologies-and-macquarie-university-partner-to-advance-quantum-security/
Fujitsu and QuTech Collaborate to Build Scalable Quantum Computing Blueprint for the Future
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 5 November 2024) QuTech and Fujitsu are collaborating to create a scalable quantum computer blueprint, focusing on a full-stack approach that includes all critical components, from qubit modules to error-correction algorithms. The blueprint features advanced technologies such as high-quality qubits with extended coherence times, optical connections for modular communication, and cryo-CMOS electronics for efficient qubit control. This partnership aligns with Fujitsu’s long-term strategy as outlined in their 2024 Integrated Report to lead in quantum innovation and sustainability, and builds on past collaborations with QuTech. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/fujitsu-and-qutech-collaborate-to-build-scalable-quantum-computing-blueprint-for-the-future/
Quantum Scientists Say Better Portfolio Management Might be in The (Decomposition) Pipeline
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Coumputing – 5 November 2024) A study by JPMorgan Chase and the Amazon Quantum Solutions Lab outlines a “decomposition pipeline” that could make quantum computing feasible for complex portfolio optimization tasks, breaking down large problems into manageable segments compatible with current quantum hardware. The new method reduces problem sizes by up to 80%, allowing quantum computers to tackle portfolio optimization tasks alongside classical computing. This hybrid approach leverages quantum capabilities while addressing current limitations such as high error rates and limited qubit numbers. While quantum computing in finance remains in its early stages, this method highlights a potential pathway for integrating quantum tools into real-world financial practices, supporting faster, more accurate risk assessments and better-informed investment decisions. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/quantum-scientists-say-better-portfolio-management-might-be-in-the-decomposition-pipeline/
Yonsei University Establishes South Korea’s First 127-Qubit Quantum Computing Center for Industry and Research
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 5 November 2024) Yonsei University has established South Korea’s first Quantum Computing Center, featuring an IBM 127-qubit quantum processor, which will launch officially on November 20. This center will enable local researchers to access high-performance quantum computing resources without relying on foreign providers, thus reducing wait times and costs, and expanding the scope of domestic quantum research applications, particularly in biotechnology. With the construction of an 8,500-square-meter quantum research complex nearby, Yonsei University hopes to encourage industry-academia partnerships, providing companies direct access to quantum resources. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/yonsei-university-establishes-south-koreas-first-127-qubit-quantum-computing-center-for-industry-and-research/
Quantum Illumination Lights up Potential Path to Medical Imaging And Radar That Can Operate in Noisy Environments
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 5 November 2024) Researchers have demonstrated quantum illumination — a technique that uses entangled photons to detect low-reflectivity objects — at room temperature, an important step towards practical, real-world applications. The study shows that quantum illumination can outperform classical radar techniques in bright, thermally noisy environments, particularly effective for low-power scenarios. This method holds promise for noninvasive biomedical imaging and short-range, low-power radar systems, expanding quantum technology’s potential uses outside traditional cryogenic settings. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/quantum-illumination-lights-up-potential-path-to-medical-imaging-and-radar-that-can-operate-in-noisy-environments/
Quantum Algorithm Company Quanscient Secures €5.2 Million in Growth Funding
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 5 November 2024) Finnish company Quanscient secured €5.2 million in growth funding to advance cloud-based engineering simulations and integrate quantum algorithms. Quanscient’s platform offers a significant boost in simulation capacity, up to 100 times that of traditional CAE solutions, facilitating rapid design iterations and solving complex engineering challenges. The funding supports Quanscient’s pioneering quantum algorithm work, including the development of CFD simulations using quantum hardware, with its first quantum product pilot expected in 2025. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/05/quantum-algorithm-company-quanscient-secures-e5-2-million-in-growth-funding/
Aqarios Launches Luna, Delivering Ready-to-Use Quantum Tools for Everyone—from Individuals to Industry
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 4 November 2024) Aqarios has launched Luna, a quantum computing platform designed to simplify and accelerate quantum application development for businesses, developers, and researchers. Luna offers over 40 ready-to-use optimization scenarios, 30+ specialized algorithms, and a user-friendly interface, allowing users to solve complex problems without needing deep quantum expertise. Through integrations with platforms like Amazon Braket and partnerships with Q-CTRL, Luna provides users with error suppression, quantum applications, and access to multiple quantum processors. Luna provides flexible plans, including a free version for newcomers, a Commercial Tier for enterprises, an Academic Tier for research, and an Individual Tier for independent developers. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/04/aqarios-launches-luna-delivering-ready-to-use-quantum-tools-for-everyone-from-individuals-to-industry/
From Particles to Patterns: Quantum Boltzmann Machines for Data Analysis in High-Energy Physics
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 4 November 2024) Particle accelerators generate vast amounts of data, requiring advanced computational frameworks to analyze interactions of subatomic particles. Quantum Boltzmann machines may offer improved data analysis capabilities over classical models by leaning on inherent quantum phenomena to capture correlations in high-dimensional data. Researchers successfully applied QBMs to analyze particle jet data, where encoding data into quantum states allowed QBMs to identify patterns missed by classical models. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/04/from-particles-to-patterns-quantum-boltzmann-machines-for-data-analysis-in-high-energy-physics/
Taming Chaos: IBM Quantum And Algorithmiq-led Scientists Report Today’s Quantum Computers Can Simulate Many-Body Quantum Chaos
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 4 November 2024) A recent study led by Algorithmiq and IBM Quantum researchers used a quantum computer with up to 91 qubits to simulate many-body quantum chaos, an interaction-heavy process difficult for traditional computers to model. The research leveraged dual-unitary circuits to simulate chaotic behavior and employed tensor-network error mitigation to manage noise, enhancing the reliability of results. The findings suggest current quantum technology, though still developing, can address complex problems, with potential applications in weather prediction, fluid dynamics and material science. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/04/taming-chaos-ibm-quantum-led-scientists-report-todays-quantum-computers-can-simulate-many-body-quantum-chaos/
Quantum Motion And Goldman Sachs Identify Quantum Applications in Financial Services Project
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 4 November 2024) Quantum Motion, a UK-based quantum scale-up, collaborated with Goldman Sachs to research quantum computing’s potential in financial services, particularly in complex calculations like options pricing, revealing advancements in quantum algorithm efficiency. The study introduces a method for breaking down complex quantum algorithms into parallel smaller tasks, requiring many qubits to operate simultaneously and significantly reducing the runtime, vital for applications where speed is crucial, such as finance. Quantum Motion’s approach has implications beyond finance, impacting chemistry and materials science by aiding in approximating Coulomb potentials and enhancing quantum hardware development, potentially leading to better quantum computer designs. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/11/04/quantum-motion-and-goldman-sachs-identify-quantum-applications-in-financial-services-project/