OpenAI’s $40 billion funding deal led by SoftBank could make it one of the most valuable private firms in the world. But there is a catch. It must fully transition to a for profit model by the end of 2025 or risk losing billions, marking a major shift for the AI company.
Elon Musk’s xAI has bought social media platform X for $33 billion, calling it a major step in combining AI with real-time public conversation. Critics are concerned about data privacy and the true value of X, while others see it as a bold move to challenge AI leader OpenAI.
From quiet meetups to packed arenas, AI conferences are lighting up cities worldwide in 2025. With tech leaders, investors and innovators joining forces, these events mark a turning point as the global push toward Industry 5.0 gains speed, creativity and serious attention.
LockBit's leader Dmitry Khoroshev faces U.S. indictment and global sanctions, marking a unified crackdown on cyber threats. The RSA 2024 Conference strengthens global efforts to combat such threats.
LockBit, a notorious ransomware group, recently saw its leader, Dmitry Khoroshev, identified and indicted.
Known by the pseudonym LockbitSupp, Khoroshev faces a 26-count indictment in the U.S. for his role in developing and operating LockBit, which has been described as one of the most destructive ransomware groups worldwide.
This revelation came as financial sanctions were imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
The LockBit ransomware group has been particularly damaging, and prolific ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) organisation in operation over the past four years causing significant disruptions worldwide, including major organisations like Boeing, Chinese institutional bank ICBC and the Royal Mail.
The attacks have not only been financially draining but also endangered lives by targeting critical infrastructure such as hospitals.
U.S. authorities, in collaboration with international partners, have been proactive in tackling LockBit.
The FBI's Brett Leatherman emphasised that no Russian hacker should feel secure, highlighting the focused efforts to identify and charge cybercriminals.
The recent actions reflect a commitment to dismantling ransomware operations and holding those responsible accountable.
The indictments and financial sanctions are part of a broader strategy to deter cybercrime by impacting the personal freedoms of those indicted, affecting their ability to travel and conduct business internationally.
The RSA 2024 conference has presented a significant opportunity for authorities to strengthen partnerships with the industry.
This global platform can facilitate discussions on innovations in cybersecurity, share best practices, and enhance cooperative efforts to combat threats like LockBit.
It's an ideal venue for fostering international collaboration and developing new strategies to tackle cyber threats effectively.
Despite the progress, the battle against LockBit is not over. Authorities continue to track down affiliates and attempt to recover extorted funds.
The RSA conference could further spotlight the importance of international cooperation in cyber defence, offering a platform to discuss challenges and explore technological advancements.
The identification and indictment of Dmitry Khoroshev mark a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime. As authorities worldwide continue their efforts, the RSA 2024 conference will likely play a crucial role in shaping future strategies against such global cyber threats.
Elon Musk’s X AI platform has been hit by a massive cyber-attack, leaving users in the U.S. and UK unable to refresh feeds or access accounts. Musk confirmed the attack’s severity, pointing to IP traces from “the Ukraine area,” though experts caution that origin masking is possible.
Late last week, an extraordinary announcement signaled a dramatic shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy: the Trump administration deprioritized Russia as a leading cyber threat. Experts fear downplaying Moscow’s aggression could expose American networks to new risks and undermine national security.
Since early 2022, the British government has tied Iran to over 20 plots threatening UK citizens, reflecting Tehran’s expanding covert tactics. These attempts—spanning assassination, kidnapping, and surveillance—mark a significant escalation on British soil.
In 2024, deepfakes became a major threat, causing market disruptions and privacy concerns. The rapid growth of AI technology has made digital deception easier, stressing the urgent need for enhanced verification systems to protect against misinformation and cyberattacks.
