This week’s Cyber Pulse Mid-Week Briefings cover Australia’s new Cyber Security Bill, rising ransomware claims, Zscaler's AI-driven platform growth, and cyber threats from East Asia, including Chinese influence operations, North Korean tech theft, and costly global data breach claims.
Visa boosts AI fraud detection with Featurespace acquisition, lifting its stock; Experian expands Latin American security by acquiring ClearSale; Booz Allen shares cyber expertise at Singapore International Cyber Week; Torq secures $70M for global growth; SentinelOne and Okta shine in top awards.
With OpenAI’s shift to a $157 billion for-profit model, CEO Sam Altman maintains its mission to "benefit humanity." However, as investors seek high returns and Altman stands to gain equity, doubts arise over who truly benefits from OpenAI’s growth—society or its shareholders?
US, EU Discuss Semiconductors, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain
The US-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting focused on strengthening supply chains and cybersecurity, especially in response to tensions with China. Key areas include cooperation on semiconductors and securing critical raw materials.
In the dynamic realm of global economics and technology security, the recent US-EU agreements, discussed during the fifth US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting in Washington, represent a crucial advancement in bolstering the resilience of critical supply chains and improving mutual cybersecurity measures.
These discussions highlight a unified commitment to enhancing economic security amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and strategic competition, notably with China, underscoring the importance of transatlantic cooperation in navigating the challenges posed by the evolving global landscape.
The TTC's focus on increasing raw material sourcing for semiconductors and aligning cybersecurity protocols is a direct response to the complex interplay of technological advancement and economic security.
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted, the imperative to "de-risk our economies" and address "common threats — including authoritarian governments that may misuse technology" is paramount.
The backdrop to these discussions is the strategic competition between Western countries and China, particularly in the realm of semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, from smartphones to advanced computing systems that power AI.
The U.S. and EU's initiative to "intensify their coordination on the availability of critical raw materials crucial for semiconductor production" is a testament to the strategic importance of these components. The move comes amid China's announced controls on gallium and germanium, highlighting the geopolitical chess game of resource and technology access.
This competition is not merely about technological supremacy but also about the values and governance models that will shape the future of global commerce and digital rights. The contrast with China's approach is stark. The Chinese government's investment in cutting-edge technology sectors, coupled with its assertive foreign policy and state-led economic model, presents a challenge to Western norms of market-driven innovation and democratic governance.
Moreover, the strategic competition extends into broader trade dynamics and the implementation of semiconductor sanctions.
The U.S. and EU's efforts to build resilient supply chains and coordinate on export control regimes are aimed at preventing the exploitation of dual-use technologies that could enhance military capabilities or enable surveillance that contradicts democratic values.
However, this focus on alignment and security does not preclude the necessity for dialogue and cooperation with China on global challenges such as climate change and pandemic response. The contrasting aspects of geopolitical relations necessitate a nuanced approach that balances competition with cooperation, ensuring that efforts to secure economic and technological interests do not escalate into conflict.
The US-EU agreements and discussions at the TTC meeting represent a vital step towards a more secure and resilient global economy. By focusing on critical areas such as semiconductors, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience, the U.S. and EU are laying the groundwork for a strategic partnership that addresses the challenges of the 21st century.
Yet, as this technological and economic race unfolds, it is crucial that Western countries remain open to collaboration with global partners, including China, to address shared challenges and ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are broadly distributed.
The recent US-EU agreements and discussions highlight the interconnected nature of technology, economics, and geopolitics. As the world grapples with the implications of strategic competition, particularly between Western countries and China, the focus on securing critical technologies and supply chains is more important than ever.
This week’s Cyber Pulse Mid-Week Briefings cover Australia’s new Cyber Security Bill, rising ransomware claims, Zscaler's AI-driven platform growth, and cyber threats from East Asia, including Chinese influence operations, North Korean tech theft, and costly global data breach claims.
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1047, which would have enforced strict safety measures for AI models with over $100M in funding. He argued the bill’s focus was too broad and advocated for more targeted AI regulations that address risks from smaller, less costly systems.
Europe faces a critical choice: embrace AI innovation or enforce restrictive regulations? Fragmented rules risk leaving Europe behind in AI advancements and economic growth. Clear, unified policies are key to keeping Europe competitive in the global AI race.
The UAE is stepping up its AI game, with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan meeting US President Joe Biden to boost AI cooperation. As the UAE shifts from oil to tech, it's deepening ties with US firms and tackling hurdles like AI chip restrictions, aiming to lead the global AI race.