TOP OF THE DAY
Cybersecurity
Three-Quarters of Security Leaders Admit Gaps in Hardware Knowledge
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine – 12 December 2024) Most global organizations fail to consult IT security during hardware procurement, and even if they do, over three-quarters (79%) of IT and security decision makers (ITSDMs) admit to major gaps in their hardware and firmware knowledge, according to HP. The tech giant’s HP Wolf Security unit polled over 6000 office workers and 800 IT and security decision makers in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Germany and France to compile its report, Securing the Device Lifecycle: From Factory to Fingertips, and Future Redeployment. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/threequarters-security-leaders/
Byte Federal’s bitter bite: thousands of crypto ATM users’ data exposed
(Vilius Petkauskas – Cybernews – 12 December 2024) Byte Federal, one of the largest bitcoin ATM operators in the US, has had tens of thousands of its customers exposed, revealing anything from phone numbers to selfies. Nearly 60,000 Byte Federal customers have received data breach notices regarding the situation. They were informed that attackers had exploited a software flaw in GitLab to access one of the company’s servers. Many organizations rely on GitLab for developers to manage code and software development workflows. – https://cybernews.com/security/thousands-byte-federal-customers-data-exposed/
Defense, Intelligence, and War
Inside the test aircraft for GCAP, the UK’s next-gen fighter
(Andrew White – Breaking Defense – 12 December 2024) The development of the UK’s sixth-generation Tempest jet took a significant step forward this week with the MoD and industry partners unveiling the latest version of the Excalibur flight test aircraft (FTA), complete with integrated sensor pods. At a media event inside the FTA’s dedicated “Hangar 499” at a secretive airfield in Wiltshire on Dec. 9, Leonardo UK, 2Excel and the MoD confirmed Excalibur (a modified Boeing 757) had successfully completed its first phase of modification and flight testing, including the integration of side and belly pods to accommodate Integrated Sensors, Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications Systems (ICS) as part of Tempest. – https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/inside-the-test-aircraft-for-uks-next-gen-fighter/
This new tool lets brigades ‘see’ their electronic warfare footprint
(Todd South – Defense News – 12 December 2024) A handful of operational U.S. Army brigades now have a tool to “see” how they and enemy forces look in the otherwise invisible electromagnetic spectrum. The Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team Manpack, or TLS BCT, is being fielded to the service’s three “Transformation in Contact” brigades. The Army selected the brigades to receive new commercial equipment, expert training and a series of experiments while preparing for operational deployments. – https://www.defensenews.com/electronic-warfare/2024/12/12/this-new-tool-lets-brigades-see-their-electronic-warfare-footprint/
New antennas for the Satellite Control Network are coming next year
(Courtney Albon – Defense News – 12 December 2024) The Space Force’s rapid acquisition arm is on track to start fielding new antennas to augment its aging Satellite Control Network by the end of next year. Kelly Hammett, who leads the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, told reporters the service is concerned that its current antenna network wouldn’t pass muster during a conflict. The system, which is dispersed around the world, provides critical launch support, satellite tracking and control, and emergency assistance for spacecraft. – https://www.defensenews.com/space/2024/12/12/new-antennas-for-the-satellite-control-network-are-coming-next-year/
The defense policy bill is handing the Army a to-do list
(Meghann Myers – Defense One – 12 December 2024) The Army would upgrade its tech to protect troops downrange and improve training at home, and may put its efforts to procure open-source intelligence tools under a program executive office under proposals in the compromise version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. – https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2024/12/defense-policy-bill-handing-army-do-list/401642/
Rocket Lab fires secret US hypersonic tech to strengthen military defenses
(Mrigakshi Dixit – Interesting Engineering – 11 December 2024) Rocket Lab’s recent suborbital mission successfully tested advanced hypersonic technology for the U.S. Department of Defense in November. This suborbital mission was part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project — a significant step towards accelerating hypersonic flight testing in the US. As per the press statement, the Department of Defense can accelerate hypersonic technology development by utilizing commercial launch services for affordable component testing. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/rocket-labs-suborbital-mission
Frontiers
A Twisted Path to Innovation: Vortex Electric Fields in 2D Materials Advance Electronics and Quantum Devices
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 12 December 2024) Researchers at City University of Hong Kong discovered how twisting bilayer 2D materials creates a vortex electric field, relevant for advancements in quantum computing, spintronics, and nanotechnology by offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional fabrication techniques. The team developed an ice-assisted transfer technique, allowing precise control of twist angles and clean bilayer interfaces, necessary for optimizing electronic properties and enhancing quantum device performance. The discovery of quasicrystals in twisted bilayers introduces opportunities to improve memory stability, ultrafast computing speeds, and dissipationless spintronics. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/12/a-twisted-path-to-innovation-vortex-electric-fields-in-2d-materials-advance-electronics-and-quantum-devices/
Heriot-Watt Secures Funding from UKRI Initiative for Three Projects Across Quantum and Photonics Research
(Cierra Choucair – Quantum Insider – 12 December 2024) Heriot-Watt University secured funding for three projects under the £4.7 million (approximately $6 million) Photonics and Quantum Accelerator (PQA), a UKRI-funded initiative intended to advance Scotland’s photonics and quantum sectors. The PQA drives economic growth and workforce development, with Scotland’s photonics sector projected to grow to over £4 billion (approximately $5 billion) by 2030, by transferring academic research to industry and encouraging innovation. The selected projects include work on quantum photonic systems for secure data encryption, waveguides to mitigate atmospheric turbulence in communications, and autonomous semiconductor device assembly for advanced material creation. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/12/heriot-watt-secures-funding-from-ukri-initiative-for-three-projects-across-quantum-and-photonics-research/
How Can Quantum Sensors Build Better Health? Report Details Potential, Challenges of Quantum Sensors For Biomedical Applications
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 12 December 2024) Quantum sensors, with their unprecedented sensitivity, offer transformative potential for medical diagnostics, including early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s, real-time microbiome analysis, and non-invasive fetal monitoring, according to a report from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C). Unlike traditional medical devices, quantum sensors like optically pumped magnetometers are portable, cost-effective, and operate at room temperature, making advanced diagnostics more accessible and practical. To overcome commercialization barriers such as FDA approval and limited interdisciplinary collaboration, the report recommends establishing shared testbeds, prioritizing biomedical funding, and fostering partnerships between sensor developers, clinicians, and policymakers. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/12/how-can-quantum-sensors-build-better-health-report-details-potential-challenges-of-quantum-sensors-for-biomedical-applications/
AmpliTech Group Announces Low-Noise Cryogenic HEMT Amplifiers For Quantum Computing
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 12 December 2024) AmpliTech Group has successfully developed and deployed proprietary low-noise cryogenic amplifiers, essential for enabling quantum computers to operate efficiently at ultra-low temperatures of 4 Kelvin (-452°F). The company has delivered its cryogenic amplifiers to two Fortune 50 quantum computing leaders, universities, and research institutions, solidifying its position as a leading U.S.-based manufacturer in the quantum technology sector. AmpliTech’s amplifiers minimize noise for accurate quantum signal detection, supporting scalable, error-corrected quantum computers and advancing applications in AI, cybersecurity, and material science. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/12/amplitech-group-announces-low-noise-cryogenic-hemt-amplifiers-for-quantum-computing/
Nokia and SK Broadband Deploy Quantum Secure Network to Protect Korea Hydro And Nuclear Power’s IT Infrastructure
(Matt Swayne – Quantum Insider – 12 December 2024) Nokia and SK Broadband deploy quantum secure network to protect Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power’s IT infrastructure. Nokia’s trusted Quantum-Safe IP and optical network solutions enable KHNP to not compromise between security or performance with secure and trusted data network connectivity. Collaboration enhances ability to respond to accelerating cyber threats now and in the post-quantum era. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/12/nokia-and-sk-broadband-deploy-quantum-secure-network-to-protect-korea-hydro-and-nuclear-powers-it-infrastructure/
Okogen Inc. Secures $3.3M to Advance Phase 2b Clinical Program for Pink Eye (Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis)
(James Dargan – AI Insider – 12 December 2024) Okogen Inc. secured $3.3 million in financing to advance its Phase 2b clinical program for acute infectious conjunctivitis (AIC) and develop an AI-driven evaluation platform for telehealth and home use, addressing unmet needs in the AIC market. The company is transitioning from a single-product focus on OKG-301 to a broader platform approach, integrating a triple-combination eyedrop (OKG-0303) for bacterial and viral conjunctivitis with AI-based patient evaluation tools. As part of its growth strategy, Okogen relocated its headquarters to Plano, Texas, to accelerate development and commercialization efforts in the expanding global conjunctivitis market, projected to surpass $6 billion by 2031. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2024/12/12/okogen-inc-secures-3-3m-to-advance-phase-2b-clinical-program-for-pink-eye-acute-infectious-conjunctivitis/
SourceReady Launches Global Sourcing with AI-Powered Supplier Matching
(James Dargan – AI Insider – 12 Decemberv 2024) SourceReady, founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Ricky Ho, has launched as an AI-powered supplier discovery platform offering unbiased, data-driven recommendations to streamline global sourcing and address gaps in traditional platforms like Alibaba. The platform promotes supply chain diversification by supporting emerging markets like Mexico, India, and Vietnam, helping businesses adapt to geopolitical shifts and expand their sourcing networks. SourceReady leverages AI to simplify complex workflows, clean and organize supplier data, and deliver high-quality matches, enabling businesses of all sizes to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2024/12/12/sourceready-launches-global-sourcing-with-ai-powered-supplier-matching/
AI systems like ChatGPT ‘mirror’ human biases
(Justinas Vainilavičius – Cybernews – 12 December 2024) Artificial Intelligence systems like ChatGPT can exhibit group biases similar to those observed in humans, according to a paper published in Nature Computational Science. The research reveals that AI models, including those used in language systems like ChatGPT, are prone to a well-documented human behavior known as “social identity bias.” – https://cybernews.com/ai-news/chatgpt-mirrors-human-biases/
Broadcom launches world’s first 3.5D F2F tech to meet soaring GenAI chip demand
(Kapil Kajal – Interesting Engineering – 5 December 2024) Broadcom Inc. has unveiled its revolutionary 3.5D eXtreme Dimension System in Package (XDSiP) platform, designed to empower consumer AI companies in developing advanced custom accelerators, or XPUs. This new technology integrates an impressive 6000 mm² of silicon and up to 12 high bandwidth memory (HBM) stacks into a single package, optimizing efficiency and reducing power consumption for large-scale AI applications. The demand for computational power in training generative AI models has reached unprecedented levels, requiring clusters of 100,000 to a staggering one million XPUs. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/worlds-first-3-5d-f2f-tech