Governance
ICRC and Geneva Academy publish joint report on civilian involvement in cyber activities during conflicts
(DigWatch) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights have jointly released a report examining how international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to civilian participation in cyber and other digital activities during armed conflicts. The report is based on extensive global research and expert consultations conducted within the framework of their initiative. – https://dig.watch/updates/icrc-and-geneva-academy-publish-joint-report-on-civilian-involvement-in-cyber-activities-during-conflicts– https://www.icrc.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/4895_002_IHL_and_Civilian_Involvement_in_Cyber_Op_WEB.pdf
ICC to replace Microsoft Office with European open-source platform
(DigWatch) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it will transition from Microsoft Office to Open Desk, a European open-source office platform. The move, first reported by German newspaper Handelsblatt, reflects a broader trend among public institutions seeking to reduce reliance on technology provided by non-European companies. – https://dig.watch/updates/icc-to-replace-microsoft-office-with-european-open-source-platform
EU conference highlights the need for collaboration in digital safety and growth
(DigWatch) European politicians and experts gathered in Billund for the conference ‘Towards a Safer and More Innovative Digital Europe’, hosted by the Danish Parliament. The discussions centred on how to protect citizens online while strengthening Europe’s technological competitiveness. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-conference-highlights-the-need-for-collaboration-in-digital-safety-and-growth – https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/news/2025/11/europe-digital-future
Jersey launches AI council to drive innovation
(DigWatch) A new Artificial Intelligence Council has been launched in Jersey to strengthen collaboration and coordinate the island’s approach to AI adoption. Led by Digital Jersey, the council seeks to bring together public and private sector initiatives to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively. – https://dig.watch/updates/jersey-launches-ai-council-to-drive-innovation – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx4j0r0exzo
Courts and Litigation
EU Advocate General backs limited seizure of work emails in competition probes
(DigWatch – 6 November 2025) An Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has said national competition authorities may lawfully seize employee emails during investigations without prior judicial approval. The opinion applies only when a strict legal framework and effective safeguards against abuse are in place. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-advocate-general-backs-limited-seizure-of-work-emails-in-competition-probes – https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=CJEU_-_C%E2%80%91258/23_to_C%E2%80%91260/23_-_Imagens_M%C3%A9dicas_Integradas&mtc=today
Geostrategies
Bahrain’s 5G network expansion will boost connectivity
(DigWatch) Bahrain’s 5G network expansion takes a major step forward as Ericsson renews its partnership with Batelco to enhance the kingdom’s digital infrastructure. The agreement, finalised during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, aims to boost Bahrain’s 5G Network connectivity, drive digital transformation, and support Bahrain’s growing demand for high-speed mobile services. – https://dig.watch/updates/bahrains-5g-network-expansion-will-boost-connectivity – https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/wireless-networks/19300-batelco-taps-ericsson-to-expand-5g-coverage-in-bahrain.html
India Deep Tech Alliance Announces Second Wave of Members, Additional USD$850M Capital Commitments
(AI Insider) The India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) has added seven new venture and corporate venture firms to its membership and secured over ₹7,500 crore (approximately $850 million) in additional private capital commitments, bringing total pledged support for early-stage Indian deep tech ventures to over $1.85 billion. New members include Activate AI, Chiratae Ventures, InfoEdge Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Qualcomm Ventures, Singularity Holdings VC, and YourNest Venture Capital, joining a founding cohort that includes Accel, Blume Ventures, Celesta Capital, Premji Invest, and Venture Catalysts. NVIDIA has formally joined IDTA as a Founding Member and Strategic Technical Advisor, offering AI and accelerated computing expertise, developer training, research engagement, and ecosystem-building support aligned with India’s ₹1 lakh crore ($12 billion) Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/india-deep-tech-alliance-announces-second-wave-of-members-additional-usd850m-capital-commitments/
NVIDIA and Deutsche Telekom Launch €1B AI Factory to Strengthen Germany’s Industrial AI Infrastructure
(AI Insider) Nvidia and Deutsche Telekom have announced a €1 billion ($1.15 billion) partnership to establish a large-scale AI factory in Munich, aimed at boosting Germany’s AI computing capacity by 50%. The project, named the Industrial AI Cloud, will deploy more than 1,000 Nvidia DGX B200 systems and RTX Pro Servers equipped with up to 10,000 Blackwell GPUs to power industrial-grade AI inferencing, simulation, and digital twin applications in full compliance with German data sovereignty laws. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/04/nvidia-and-deutsche-telekom-launch-e1b-ai-factory-to-strengthen-germanys-industrial-ai-infrastructure/
Security and Surveillance
Public administration increasingly targeted by DDoS attacks
(ENISA) Set as highly critical under the NIS2 Directive, the public administration sector plays a key role in delivering essential services to European citizens. Because it ensures effective governance and delivery of important services to civil society such as education, healthcare, public transportation, etc. public administration is a fundamental sector of the economy. However, being newly regulated under the NIS2 Directive, the sector is still developing its cybersecurity resilience as it remains in the early stages of aligning with the requirements. Public administration was therefore assessed as standing in the “risk zone” in the study published in the ENISA NIS360 report. With 38% of all incidents in the latest ENISA cyber threat landscape report, public administration reportedly is the most targeted sector in the EU. – https://www.enisa.europa.eu/news/public-administration-increasingly-targeted-by-ddos-attacks
Washington Post is latest victim of Oracle-hacking Cl0p gang
(Cybernews) The Washington Post on Thursday said it is the latest victim of the Cl0p ransomware group and its ongoing Oracle attack spree, which has impacted hundreds of organizations and counting. – https://cybernews.com/security/washington-post-clop-oracle-ebs-victim-zero-day-hack/
Hyundai IT services breach potentially impacts 2.7 million Hyundai, Kia owners
(Cybernews) Hyundai AutoEver America (HAEA), the official automotive IT services provider for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, is notifying millions of customers its systems were compromised in a data breach first discovered in March. Owned by the Hyundai Motor Group and based in California, the South Korean IT services and software company said, “On March 1, 2025, HAEA became aware of a cyber incident that impacted our information technology environment.”. After alerting law enforcement and bringing in outside cybersecurity investigators, it was determined the hackers had breached HAEA networks on February 22nd and were able to maintain unauthorized access to systems until March 2nd. – https://cybernews.com/news/hyundai-autoever-america-it-services-customer-data-breach-2-million-kia/
Attackers drop terrabytes of US manufacturing giant’s data
(Cybernews) The Rhysida ransomware gang has leaked nearly 2TB of sensitive data from US manufacturing giant Gemini Group, exposing employee and client records across North America. The Russia-linked ransomware gang dropped a note on its dark web leak site, claiming to have stolen data from US manufacturing giant Gemini Group INC. Ransomware gangs often use leak sites as a means to pressure companies into paying a ransom. However, if the negotiations fail, the attackers often drop stolen datasets online for anyone to download. – https://cybernews.com/security/gemini-group-rhysida-data-leak/
“We will sell your data:” Spanish top radio station held hostage by Russian hackers
(Cybernews) A popular Spanish radio station with over a million listeners has been hit by attackers who are known for causing chaos and demanding huge amounts of money. KISS-FM has become the latest high-profile target of the Russia-linked ransomware gang Rhysida, which is now auctioning the station’s alleged stolen data on the dark net. Rhysida has listed KISS-FM among its newest victims on its leak site, demanding three bitcoins, which amounts to around $300,000, and giving the company a seven-day timeframe to pay before they sell or leak the stolen data. – https://cybernews.com/security/ransomware-kissfm-spain-radio/
Bank Indonesia reports over 370 million cyber threat attempts in 2024
(DigWatch) Bank Indonesia (BI) has reported more than 370 million attempted cyber threats targeting the country, highlighting the growing exposure linked to Indonesia’s rapid digital transformation. The central bank also noted a 25% increase in anomalous cyber traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year. Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta stated that the rise in cyber activity underscores the need for all stakeholders to remain vigilant as Indonesia continues to develop its digital infrastructure. – https://dig.watch/updates/bank-indonesia-reports-over-370-million-cyber-threat-attempts-in-2024
Australian government highlights geopolitical risks to critical infrastructure
(DigWatch) According to the federal government’s latest Critical Infrastructure Annual Risk Review, Australia’s critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable due to global geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain vulnerabilities, and advancements in technology. The report, released by the Department of Home Affairs, states that geopolitical tensions and instability are affecting all sectors essential to national functioning, such as energy, healthcare, banking, aviation and the digital systems supporting them. – https://dig.watch/updates/australian-government-highlights-geopolitical-risks-to-critical-infrastructure – https://www.cisc.gov.au/resources-subsite/Documents/critical-infrastructure-annual-risk-review-2025.pdf
SMS Fraud Losses Set to Decline 11% in 2026
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine) Improved operator security and a decline in overall messaging volumes will help to drive an 11% decrease in SMS fraud losses for consumers next year, according to Juniper Research. The analyst predicted that subscriber losses to smishing, account takeover and other cyber-threats will shrink from $80bn in 2025 to $71bn in 2026. “The value of SMS is declining for fraudulent players,” explained Ardit Ballhysa, senior research analyst at the firm. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/sms-fraud-losses-set-to-decline-11/
UNK_SmudgedSerpent Targets Academics With Political Lures
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine) A previously unknown cyber actor targeting academics and foreign policy experts between June and August 2025 has been identified as UNK_SmudgedSerpent by cybersecurity researchers. According to an advisory published by Proofpoint today, the group targeted individuals focused on Iran and global political developments, initiating contact through seemingly harmless conversations before attempting to steal credentials and deliver malware. This activity combined techniques typically seen across multiple Iranian-linked threat groups, yet did not align cleanly with any single one. Proofpoint said the cluster shares traits with TA453, TA455 and TA450, but the overlaps are not strong enough for definitive attribution. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/unksmudgedserpent-targets-academics/
The Serpent in the System: How Threat Actors Turn Legitimate Tools into Weapons
(Dragos Gavrilut – Infosecurity Magazine) Shakespeare penned Macbeth in the early 1600s, but the advice on deception that Lady Macbeth delivers in Act 1 has found new life in today’s cyber landscape. “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it,” she warns. In modern terms, disguise your malicious intent within something that appears harmless or even welcome. That’s exactly what today’s cyber threat actors are doing. Instead of relying on traditional malware (the serpent), they’re increasingly turning to legitimate, everyday tools (the flowers) already trusted within an organization’s environment. It’s a sophisticated evolution and one that exploits the tools and applications enterprises depend on most. This shift in attacker tactics is both rapid and significant. A Bitdefender analysis of 700,000 high-severity cyber-attacks found that more than 8-in-10 attacks (84%) now leverage legitimate tools already installed in the environment through Living-off-the-Land (LotL) techniques. Unfortunately, detecting malicious actions within legitimate tools is extremely challenging. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/blogs/how-threat-actors-turn-legit-tools/
Hundreds of Malware-Laden Apps Downloaded 42 Million Times From Google Play
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine) Security researchers observed a 67% increase in malware targeting Android devices over the past year, with hundreds of malicious apps making their way onto the official Google Play store. Zscaler revealed the findings in its ThreatLabz 2025 Mobile, IoT, and OT Threat Report, which is compiled from analysis of over 20 million mobile requests sent from devices between June 2024 and May 2025. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/apps-download-41-million-times/
Frontiers
Microsoft launches “humanist superintelligence” to revolutionize healthcare
(Cybernews) Microsoft is forming a new team that wants to build artificial intelligence that is vastly more capable than humans in certain domains, starting with medical diagnostics, the executive leading the effort told Reuters. Called the MAI Superintelligence Team, the project follows similar efforts by Meta Platforms, Safe Superintelligence Inc., and others that have begun targeting technical leaps while garnering skepticism for their ability to deliver, absent breakthroughs. Microsoft plans to invest “a lot of money” on the project as well, said Mustafa Suleyman, the AI chief in charge. – https://cybernews.com/ai-news/microsoft-launches-humanist-superintelligence-revolutionize-healthcare/
Google AI roadmap aims to accelerate nature protection and restoration
(DigWatch) Google and the World Resources Institute have co-authored a new paper on how to harness AI to support conservation efforts. The paper begins by highlighting successful applications of AI in nature conservation. There are near-real-time monitoring tools that track forests and oceans. – https://dig.watch/updates/google-ai-roadmap-aims-to-accelerate-nature-protection-and-restoration – https://sustainability.google/reports/google-2025-AI-for-Nature/
Scientists map genetic blueprint of the brain’s communication bridge
(DigWatch) Researchers have mapped the genetic architecture of the corpus callosum, the thick bundle of nerve fibres connecting the brain’s left and right hemispheres, for the first time. The Stevens INI at USC analysed MRI and genetic data from over 50,000 people using AI to identify genes affecting the corpus callosum’s size and thickness. Many of these genes are active during prenatal brain development, when neural wiring is established. – https://dig.watch/updates/scientists-map-genetic-blueprint-of-the-brains-communication-bridge – https://neurosciencenews.com/ai-genetics-mental-health-29893/
MythWorx Rockets Ahead: AI/AGI Startup Closes $5M Seed Round at $100M Valuation
(AI Insider) MythWorx raised $5 million in seed funding at a $100 million valuation, led by Eagle Venture Funds, to advance its next-generation AI model, Echo Ego v2, which delivers human-like reasoning with one-tenth the power usage of traditional LLMs. Echo Ego v2 outperforms much larger models without pretraining or chain-of-thought prompting, achieving leading results on MMLU-Pro benchmarks and outperforming models like DeepSeek-R1. The funding will support hiring, product expansion, and licensing of MythWorx’s AGI technology to major tech, government, and defense sectors, positioning it as a disruptor in efficient reasoning-based AI. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/06/mythworx-rockets-ahead-ai-agi-startup-closes-5m-seed-round-at-100m-valuation/
MIT Researchers Develop New Method Aimed at Helping Search-And-Rescue Robots Map Large Areas
(AI Insider) MIT researchers have developed an AI-based system that enables robots to generate fast, accurate 3D maps from uncalibrated onboard cameras, addressing scalability limitations in SLAM for real-time navigation. The method incrementally creates and aligns submaps using mathematical transformations, avoiding the need for global optimization or special sensors, and achieved sub-5 cm reconstruction errors in tests using standard cellphone video. The system, to be presented at NeurIPS 2025, was developed by Dominic Maggio, Hyungtae Lim, and Luca Carlone with support from the U.S. NSF, ONR, and the National Research Foundation of Korea. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/06/mit-researchers-develop-new-method-aimed-at-helping-search-and-rescue-robots-map-large-areas/
Findem Closes $51M in Funding to Transform How Companies Hire with the World’s Largest Expert-Labeled Talent Dataset
(AI Insider) Findem raised $51M in new funding led by SLW with participation from Wing Ventures, Harmony Capital, Four Rivers Group, and J.P. Morgan, bringing total funding to $105M. Its AI-driven talent platform uses expert-labeled “3D data” to identify success signals, helping companies predict which candidates will thrive based on real-world patterns and context. The funding will expand Findem’s proprietary dataset, advance domain-specific AI for hiring, and support global growth and partnerships focused on diversity and veteran talent visibility. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/findem-closes-51m-in-funding-to-transform-how-companies-hire-with-the-worlds-largest-expert-labeled-talent-dataset/
Unitree firefighting robots transform fire rescue operations
(DigWatch) China’s Unitree Robotics has introduced advanced firefighting robots designed to revolutionise fire rescue operations. These quadruped robots can climb stairs, navigate through debris, and operate in hazardous zones where human firefighters face significant risks. – https://dig.watch/updates/unitree-firefighting-robots-transform-fire-rescue-operations – https://www.unitree.com/industry/fireRescue
Moonshot AI Secures $10M in Seed Funding for AI-driven Autonomous Website Optimization
(AI Insider) Moonshot AI raised $10M in seed funding led by Mighty Capital to expand its generative AI platform that transforms websites into self-optimizing, continuously evolving systems. The no-code platform analyzes user behavior, generates and tests new on-site experiences, and automatically deploys high-performing versions to increase conversions and revenue. Founded by Aviv Frenkel and Evyatar Segal, Moonshot AI has already delivered up to 30% revenue lifts for e-commerce clients and aims to scale its impact across digital businesses. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/moonshot-ai-secures-10m-in-seed-funding-for-ai-driven-autonomous-website-optimization/
Holman Introduces Robotics Management Platform
(AI Insider) Holman has launched Holman Robotics, a new division offering an end-to-end robotic automation management platform for industrial customers. The solution combines system design, integrated lifecycle services, and flexible financing to help businesses deploy and manage robotic assets across applications like warehousing, manufacturing, and cleaning. Holman Robotics includes a centralized data platform, curated vendor network, and tailored service model, positioning the company as a strategic partner in industrial automation adoption. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/holman-introduces-robotics-management-platform/
Report: China’s Xpeng and Alibaba to Partner for Robotaxis
(AI Insider) Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng plans to launch a robotaxi service in partnership with Alibaba’s digital mapping subsidiary Amap, according to Reuters. The two companies announced Wednesday that Xpeng will deploy three internally developed robotaxi models, with pilot operations expected to begin in 2026. The autonomous vehicles will be integrated into Amap’s ride-hailing platform, which already collaborates with local robotaxi firms such as WeRide and Pony.ai, Reuters reported. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/report-chinas-xpeng-and-alibaba-to-partner-for-robotaxis/
EV Maker Rivian Creates Mind Robotics with $110M in External Seed Funding
(AI Insider) Rivian launched Mind Robotics, a spinout focused on industrial AI and robotics, backed by $110 million in external seed funding. Mind Robotics will use Rivian’s operational data to train physical AI systems, reflecting the company’s broader strategy linking autonomy, robotics, and data. Rivian beat Q3 2025 expectations with a $24 million gross profit and $1.56 billion in revenue, while reaffirming full-year guidance and ending the quarter with $7.7 billion in liquidity. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/11/05/ev-maker-rivian-creates-mind-robotics-with-110m-in-external-seed-funding/