News/Cybersecurity
Mamma m-AI! Greece deploys tech to speed up crime investigations
Greek police will begin integrating artificial intelligence into their crime-fighting operations, with the technology set to analyze CCTV footage, handle traffic violations, and assist with domestic violence cases. The initiative, developed through collaboration between Greece's Ministry of Citizen Protection and Ministry of Digital Governance with Google's involvement, aims to dramatically reduce investigation times and free up officers for other duties. How it works: AI will replace time-intensive manual processes that currently burden Greek law enforcement.• While it can take weeks for personnel to review CCTV footage for theft clues, AI can accomplish the same task in minutes, accelerating efforts to...
read Sep 26, 2025DHS deploys SF-based Hive AI tools to detect fake child abuse imagery
The US Department of Homeland Security is deploying AI detection tools to distinguish between AI-generated child abuse imagery and content depicting real victims. The Department's Cyber Crimes Center has awarded a $150,000 contract to San Francisco-based Hive AI, marking the first known use of automated detection systems to prioritize cases involving actual children at risk amid a surge in synthetic abuse material. Why this matters: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a 1,325% increase in incidents involving generative AI in 2024, creating an overwhelming volume of synthetic content that diverts investigative resources from real victims. The detection...
read Sep 26, 2025Hackers use AI to hide malware inside business charts in unfortunate new cyberattack
Microsoft researchers have uncovered a sophisticated phishing campaign where hackers use artificial intelligence to hide malicious code inside business chart graphics, marking a new evolution in AI-powered cyberattacks. The technique disguises harmful JavaScript within seemingly innocuous SVG files by encoding malware as business terminology like "revenue" and "shares," which hidden scripts then decode to steal user credentials and browser data. What you should know: The attack method represents a significant advancement in phishing obfuscation techniques that bypasses traditional security filters. Hackers compromised a small business email account and used it to distribute malicious SVG files disguised as PDF documents through...
read Sep 25, 2025AI-powered fraud apps surge 300% on iOS, even worse on Android
A new study reveals a dramatic surge in fraudulent mobile apps powered by artificial intelligence, with iOS seeing a 300% increase and Android experiencing a 600% spike in fake applications during 2025. The research from DV Fraud Lab, a digital fraud detection company, highlights how AI tools are enabling cybercriminals to create more convincing fraudulent apps that can bypass traditional app store security measures, targeting both unsuspecting users and advertisers. What you should know: DV Fraud Lab's research shows fraudulent apps are using two primary attack vectors to exploit mobile ecosystems. Fake versions of popular apps like Facebook attempt to...
read Sep 23, 2025FBI arrests Michigan man for AI deepfake extortion threats on social media
The FBI has arrested 36-year-old Joshua Justin Stilman of Commerce Township, Michigan, on federal charges of cyberstalking and interstate threats to extort, alleging he used AI-generated nude images to harass and threaten women on social media. The case represents one of the first high-profile federal prosecutions involving AI-generated pornographic content used as a weapon for digital harassment and extortion. What you should know: Federal agents conducted a dramatic arrest at Stilman's West Commerce Road home, with neighbors reporting they witnessed agents with weapons and shields forcing entry. Stilman allegedly used Instagram accounts "friendblender" and "thisDIYguy" to send AI-generated nude and...
read Sep 22, 2025Record labels accuse Suno of illegally ripping songs from YouTube to train AI
Major record labels have escalated their lawsuit against AI music generator Suno, alleging the startup illegally "stream ripped" copyrighted songs from YouTube to train its generative AI models. The updated complaint filed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 19th specifically accuses Suno of circumventing YouTube's encryption technology, which could expose the company to additional penalties under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's anti-circumvention provisions. What you should know: The RIAA's amended complaint introduces new allegations that Suno violated YouTube's terms of service by breaking through the platform's technological protections. Record labels claim Suno "employed code to access,...
read Sep 19, 2025Meta’s AI demo failures blamed on self-inflicted DDoS wound
Meta faced multiple high-profile AI demo failures at its Connect conference, with the company's CTO later attributing the incidents to an accidental distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack and an obscure software bug. The failures highlighted the challenges facing live AI technology demonstrations and raised questions about the readiness of Meta's smart glasses technology for widespread deployment. What happened: Two major demos malfunctioned during Meta's showcase of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with Live AI capabilities. During the first demo, an Instagram influencer attempting to get cooking help from the AI assistant experienced multiple failures, with the AI incorrectly assessing his progress...
read Sep 19, 2025ISIS weaponizes AI for terrorism with digital news anchors and bots
ISIS is increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to enhance its propaganda operations and potentially plan attacks, marking a dangerous evolution in the terrorist group's digital capabilities. This development represents a significant shift from hypothetical concerns to active reality, with experts warning that AI tools could dramatically amplify the group's ability to recruit followers and coordinate operations globally. What you should know: ISIS has moved beyond basic AI experimentation to sophisticated applications that enhance both propaganda creation and operational planning. The group has deployed AI-generated news anchors to deliver propaganda content, including coverage of deadly attacks like the Moscow concert hall incident....
read Sep 18, 2025Cleanup on AI-sle nine: Vibe coding creates new bug-correcting specialist jobs for developers
A new job category called "vibe coding cleanup specialist" is emerging as AI-generated code often contains errors, bugs, and potential security vulnerabilities that require human intervention to fix. This role addresses a critical gap in the AI coding workflow, where non-technical users can prompt AI to generate programs but lack the expertise to debug the flawed output, creating demand for specialists who can clean up AI-produced code. What you should know: Vibe coding refers to using natural language prompts with AI models like ChatGPT or Claude to generate programming code, but the output frequently requires significant human oversight and correction....
read Sep 17, 2025Italy passes first EU-aligned AI law with $1.18B tech fund
Italy's parliament has approved comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation, making it the first European Union country to enact AI regulations fully aligned with the EU's landmark AI Act. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government positioned the law as establishing human-centric, transparent AI use while emphasizing innovation, cybersecurity and privacy protections across multiple sectors. Key provisions: The legislation introduces cross-sector rules covering healthcare, work, public administration, justice, education and sport, requiring traceability and human oversight of AI decisions. AI access for children under 14 requires parental consent. New criminal provisions target unlawful dissemination of AI-generated content like deepfakes, punishable by one to five...
read Sep 17, 2025Israeli VC firm Glilot raises $500M for AI-cybersecurity startups
Glilot Capital, one of Israel's largest venture capital funds, has raised $500 million for two new early-stage funds targeting AI and cybersecurity startups. The successful fundraising from international investors, including U.S. and European pension funds, suggests minimal impact from geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza on its tech investment appeal. What you should know: The $500 million will be split between Glilot's fifth seed fund and a new early-stage investment vehicle called Glilot Plus. Each fund aims to invest in 12 AI and cybersecurity startups over the coming years, with half the funding going to new investments and half...
read Sep 12, 2025More pillager than villager? Chinese hacking tool “Villager” downloaded 10K times in 2 months
A mysterious Chinese AI penetration testing tool called Villager has been downloaded nearly 10,000 times since its July release, raising serious concerns about its potential misuse by cybercriminals. The tool, which combines Kali Linux with DeepSeek AI to automate offensive security operations, is being compared to Cobalt Strike's trajectory from legitimate red-team software to widely adopted malware infrastructure. What you should know: Villager represents a new category of AI-native penetration testing tools that could democratize advanced cyberattacks. The tool integrates Kali Linux toolsets with DeepSeek AI models to fully automate testing workflows, positioning itself as an AI-powered successor to Cobalt...
read Sep 11, 2025AI rent-a-bots patrol Austin neighborhoods with remote human oversight
Austin-based CTX Patrol has deployed AI-powered security robots in partnership with Daxbot, an Oregon-based robotics company, to patrol northeast Austin neighborhoods. One robot named Palmer now monitors the Windsor Park area, representing a cost-effective approach to maintaining continuous security presence while keeping human operators safely removed from potential threats. How it works: Palmer combines advanced surveillance technology with remote human oversight to monitor neighborhoods around the clock.• The robot is equipped with advanced cameras and facial recognition technology to detect suspicious activity in real-time.• Trained operators monitor Palmer continuously from Daxbot's headquarters in Philomath, Oregon, ready to assess threats and...
read Sep 9, 2025Reddit fixes AI bug that wrongly altered LGBT subreddit descriptions for weeks
Reddit has resolved a bug that incorrectly altered subreddit descriptions on its Android app, including changing a lesbian community's description to say it was for "straight" women. The issue, which persisted for weeks and sparked user concerns about unauthorized AI content modification, was caused by a malfunctioning translation service that mistakenly performed "English-to-English translations." What happened: Multiple subreddit descriptions were inaccurately changed when viewed through Reddit's Android app, with some alterations significantly misrepresenting community purposes. The r/actuallesbians subreddit's description was changed from "a place for cis and trans lesbians" to "a place for straight and transgender lesbians." The r/autisticparents community,...
read Sep 9, 2025Somewhere between Big AI and blue-collar are the skills driving the robotics and automation hiring boom
The robotics and automation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, fundamentally reshaping how companies across sectors approach work and productivity. As businesses increasingly integrate intelligent machines into their operations, a surge in specialized job opportunities is creating new career pathways for professionals ready to embrace this technological shift. This transformation extends far beyond traditional manufacturing floors. From surgical robots assisting in operating rooms to autonomous vehicles navigating city streets, the applications of robotics and automation are expanding rapidly across industries. Understanding these hiring trends—and the skills driving them—provides crucial insight for professionals navigating this evolving landscape. The automation talent boom Companies...
read Sep 8, 2025Is an assistant making you insecure? Study finds AI coding creates 10x more security vulnerabilities
Programmers using AI-powered coding assistants create 10 times more security vulnerabilities than developers who code without AI assistance, according to new research from Apiiro, a security firm. The findings reveal a critical trade-off: while AI helps developers produce code faster and with fewer syntax errors, it's simultaneously introducing far more dangerous security flaws that could expose systems to cyberattacks. What you should know: The research analyzed code from thousands of developers across tens of thousands of repositories, revealing that AI-assisted programmers produce three to four times more code overall. Syntax errors dropped 76% and logic bugs decreased 60% when developers...
read Sep 3, 2025AI scams cost military families $200M in 2024, advocacy group warns
AI-powered scams targeting U.S. military families cost victims nearly $200 million in 2024, according to a Veterans and Military Families advocacy group warning. The surge in artificial intelligence-enabled fraud represents a growing threat to service members and their families, who are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated deception tactics that leverage AI's ability to create convincing fake communications and impersonations. Why this matters: Military families face unique vulnerabilities to scams due to frequent deployments, financial stress, and their often-public service records that scammers can exploit to build credible fake personas. The scale of the problem: The $200 million figure represents losses from...
read Sep 1, 2025Pentagon seeks AI to automate overseas propaganda campaigns for real-time flexibility
The Pentagon is seeking machine-learning technology to create and distribute AI-generated propaganda campaigns overseas that can "suppress dissenting arguments" and "influence foreign target audiences," according to a U.S. Special Operations Command document obtained by The Intercept. This represents a significant escalation in military information warfare capabilities, with SOCOM specifically requesting contractors who can provide "agentic AI or multi-LLM agent systems" to automate large-scale influence operations in real-time. What they're seeking: SOCOM wants automated systems that can scrape internet content, analyze situations, and respond with propaganda messages aligned with military objectives. The document calls for technology that can "respond to post(s),...
read Aug 28, 2025Now wait a moment, AI code generation still needs DevOps platforms
The artificial intelligence revolution has sparked bold predictions about the end of traditional software development. Industry observers claim that AI-powered code generation will eliminate the need for human programmers, replacing them with subject matter experts who can simply describe what they want in plain English—so-called "vibe coders" who rely on intuition rather than technical expertise. This narrative has led some enterprises to question their investments in DevOps platforms—the integrated toolsets that manage software development lifecycles from code creation through deployment. If AI can generate perfect code on command, why maintain expensive infrastructure for human-driven development processes? However, this reasoning contains...
read Aug 28, 2025Survey reveals 78% of workers use AI tools without company oversight
Most workers using artificial intelligence tools at their jobs operate with virtually no oversight, creating significant legal and financial risks that many companies haven't fully grasped. While businesses rush to harness AI's productivity benefits, they're inadvertently exposing themselves to data breaches, compliance violations, and potential litigation. A recent survey by EisnerAmper, a New York-based business advisory firm, reveals that only 22 percent of U.S. desk workers who use AI tools report that their companies actively monitor this usage. This means roughly four out of five employees are deploying AI systems without meaningful supervision—even when their employers have established safety protocols...
read Aug 27, 2025AI-powered ransomware creates code on demand, ESET researchers discover
Security researchers at ESET have discovered the first known AI-powered ransomware, dubbed "PromptLock," which uses generative AI to create malicious code on demand. While still a proof-of-concept, this development represents a significant escalation in cyber threats, as AI technology makes sophisticated attacks more accessible to criminals with limited technical expertise. What you should know: PromptLock leverages OpenAI's gpt-oss:20b model to generate malicious Lua scripts in real-time, demonstrating how cybercriminals are weaponizing AI tools. The malware runs locally through the Ollama API (a tool that lets computers run AI models without internet access) and uses hard-coded prompts to scan the local...
read Aug 27, 2025Cybercriminals weaponize Anthropic’s Claude for $100K+ automated extortion scheme
Anthropic has revealed that its AI model Claude was weaponized by cybercriminals in a sophisticated "vibe hacking" extortion scheme that targeted at least 17 organizations, including healthcare, emergency services, and government entities. The company successfully disrupted the operation after discovering the unprecedented use of AI to automate cyberattacks and generate six-figure ransom demands. What you should know: Claude Code, Anthropic's agentic coding tool, was used to orchestrate multiple phases of the cyberattack with minimal human intervention. The AI automated reconnaissance activities (information gathering), harvested victim credentials, and penetrated network security systems. Claude also made strategic decisions about which data to...
read Aug 21, 2025Cloud company claims AI bots now account for 80% of website traffic, threatening server stability
Fastly's new report reveals that AI crawlers and fetchers are overwhelming websites with traffic that accounts for a staggering 80 percent of all AI bot activity, with some bots hitting sites with over 39,000 requests per minute. The surge is primarily driven by Meta (52% of crawler traffic) and OpenAI (98% of fetcher traffic), creating unsustainable server loads that threaten website performance and the business models of content creators. What you should know: AI bots are fundamentally reshaping internet traffic patterns, with crawlers scraping training data and fetchers delivering real-time responses creating new operational challenges. Fastly, a cloud services company,...
read Aug 21, 2025No, that’s not Brad Pitt: AI-powered romance scams cost UK victims £106M in 2024
Digital fraud has evolved far beyond the simple email scams of the early internet era. Today's cybercriminals wield sophisticated artificial intelligence tools to create convincing fake identities, manipulate emotions, and steal millions from unsuspecting victims across social media platforms. While romance scams grab headlines for their devastating emotional and financial impact, they represent just one facet of a much larger and more complex fraud ecosystem. The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2024 alone, romance scams cost victims over £106 million according to the City of London Police, a specialized unit that investigates financial crime in London's business district. Individual...
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