Governance and Legislation
The hidden risks we scroll past: the problem with TikTok—and RedNote
(Jason Van der Schyff – ASPI The Strategist – 21 January 2025) What if the most popular apps on our phones were quietly undermining national security? Australians often focus on visible threats, but the digital realm poses less obvious yet equally significant dangers. Yet, when it comes to the digital landscape, a blind spot remains: the hidden risks posed by platforms such as TikTok and RedNote (Xiaohongshu). These apps are more than just harmless entertainment; they’re tools in a global battle for data and influence. And we, as a society, remain largely unaware. – https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-hidden-risks-we-scroll-past-the-problem-with-tiktok-and-rednote/
China’s STEM Edge Will Drive AI to Catch Up, Says Geoffrey Hinton
(James Dargan – AI Insider – 20 January 2025) In a recent interview, Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as one of the “godfathers of AI,” talked about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), its global implications and the moral responsibility of those who develop it. Hinton’s thoughts offer a sobering yet pragmatic lens through which to view the challenges ahead. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/01/20/chinas-stem-edge-will-drive-ai-to-catch-up-says-geoffrey-hinton/
The UN Cybercrime Convention: Key Features and Global Stances
(Manohar Parrikar Institute – 20 January 2025) The participation of multiple stakeholders in the adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime highlights the effectiveness of inclusive decision-making involving not just states but also civil society organisations. Despite mixed reactions, the convention offers a timely legal framework for information sharing and improved coordination among law enforcement agencies globally. – https://www.idsa.in/publisher/issue-brief/the-un-cybercrime-convention/
Trump axes Biden’s AI executive order
(Natalie Alms – NextGov – 20 January 2025) President Donald Trump rolled back former President Joe Biden’s executive order focused on artificial intelligence just hours after being inaugurated. It’s just one of nearly 80 Biden-era executive actions Trump wiped away with his own, new executive order on Monday. Trump’s move to kill Biden’s sweeping AI order is not unexpected. The 2024 Republican platform called the order “dangerous” and said that it “imposes radical leftwing ideas on the development of this technology.” – https://www.nextgov.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/01/trump-axes-bidens-ai-executive-order/402355/?oref=ng-homepage-river
Trump signs order setting up DOGE with a focus on government tech
(Natalie Alms – NextGov – 20 January 2025) President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to set up his Department of Government Efficiency, charged with “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”. Billionaire Elon Musk is leading the effort, which Trump set up shortly after the election to slash government headcount and spending. Originally, Trump said that the effort would be advisory. – https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2025/01/trump-signs-order-setting-doge-focus-government-tech/402358/?oref=ng-home-top-story
Defense, Intelligence, and War
The Militarisation of AI and Evolving Nuclear Doctrines in South Asia: Challenges and Implications
(Dalir Khan – Australian Institute of International Affairs – 20 January 2025) The integration of Artificial Intelligence into military frameworks by India and Pakistan is reshaping regional security dynamics, fueling a doctrinal shift with profound implications for strategic stability. As AI-driven systems enhance military capabilities, the accompanying risks of miscalculation, escalation, and ethical dilemmas demand urgent dialogue and regulatory measures to mitigate potential conflict. – https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/the-militarisation-of-ai-and-evolving-nuclear-doctrines-in-south-asia-challenges-and-implications/
Security
HPE Launches Investigation After Hacker Claims Data Breach
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine – 20 January 2025) Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has launched an investigation into claims by prominent hacker, IntelBroker, who alleges to have stolen sensitive data from the tech giant. The hacker announced on January 16 on BreachForums that they are selling files purportedly taken from HPE systems. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/hpe-investigates-hacker-claims/
Indian APT Group DONOT Misuses App for Intelligence Gathering
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine – 20 January 2025) A malicious Android application disguised as a chat platform has been linked to the Indian Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group DONOT, which specializes in intelligence gathering. The connection, made by researchers at Cyfirma, highlights the group’s continued efforts to collect strategic data in South Asia and leverage seemingly innocent platforms for covert operations. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/indian-apt-group-donot-app/
JPMorgan’s CISO on Overcoming Surging Threats and Regulatory Hurdles in Finance
(James Coker – lnfosecurity Magazine – 20 January 2025) JPMorgan Chase, the US banking behemoth with a global footprint spanning over 100 countries, is on the front lines of the financial industry’s fight to safeguard its systems and customer data. The valuable data held by financial organizations make them a lucrative target for financially motivated cybercriminals. Meanwhile, they are also a target for nation-state actors and hacktivists because of the cascading impact a cyber event could have on the global economy. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/interviews/jpmorgan-ciso-threat-regulatory/
Data on Half a Million Hotel Guests Exposed After Otelier Breach
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine – 20 January 2025) Customers of some of the world’s best-known hotel chains have had their personal information compromised after a threat actor targeted an industry software supplier, it has emerged. The threat actor appears to have gained unauthorized access to hotel management software provider Otelier. The firm’s cloud-based software helps hotels optimize their operations. It claims to support “the world’s best hospitality brands, owners, and operators across over 10,000 properties.” – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/data-half-million-hotel-guests/