Cybersecurity

A recent report reveals that 81% of UK CISOs believe AI chatbots like DeepSeek require urgent government regulation due to cybersecurity risks. 34% have already banned AI tools, and 30% halted specific deployments over escalating concerns. CISOs fear data exposure, weaponization by cybercriminals, and increased attacks. 42% now view AI as a greater threat than a help. Many feel unprepared to manage AI-driven threats, prompting investment in AI specialists and C-suite training while urging for a national regulatory framework.

A Yubico survey reveals significant cybersecurity habit disparities across major U.S. cities. Nearly half of Americans reuse passwords, while only 3% favor hardware security keys. Seattle and San Francisco lead in MFA and passkey adoption, while Denver lags. The survey exposes a disconnect between perceived and actual security, with many experiencing cyber incidents despite believing they can identify phishing. Yubico advocates for robust, phishing-resistant authentication methods like YubiKeys.

China’s new parental subsidy program (¥3,600 annually per child under three) is set to launch in 2025. However, scammers are already exploiting the initiative, using deceptive tactics on social media to lure parents with fake notifications. WeChat warns against clicking suspicious links or downloading files from unsolicited messages, as they may contain malware granting remote access for data theft. Official application portals will be available in late August; verify information through official government channels.

To mark its 20th anniversary, 360 Group announced its “All In Agent” strategy, shifting focus to AI and intelligent agents. Founder Zhou Hongyi emphasized AI’s transformative power, highlighting 360’s developed AI search engine and Nano AI Multi-Agent Swarm. The company launched the “Intelligent Agent Factory” and aims to reshape its products and processes with intelligent agents, encouraging employees to develop AI literacy. 360 also updated its mission, vision, and core values to align with its AI-driven future.

DLH Holdings (DLHC) secured a task order worth up to $46.9 million to provide IT services to the NIH’s Office of Information Technology. The three-year contract includes enterprise IT systems management, cybersecurity, software development, and cloud computing, supporting around 7,000 end-customers. DLH will implement a cloud migration strategy leveraging partnerships with Azure, AWS, and Google, focusing on digital transformation and system modernization. This strengthens DLH’s position in federal health IT and highlights its expertise in cloud and AI.

Following U.S. approval of NVIDIA’s H20 AI chip export to China, Beijing reportedly summoned the company to discuss potential security risks, including alleged “backdoors.” NVIDIA denies these claims, but Chinese state media demands irrefutable proof of security. An exposé details potential hardware and software backdoor methods for remote shutdown and tracking, highlighting concerns over U.S. control of AI chip technology and its implications for Chinese data security and energy efficiency goals. The report suggests the H20 chip is neither secure nor environmentally friendly for China.

CrowdStrike’s 2025 report reveals that adversaries are weaponizing GenAI to scale attacks, targeting AI agents and autonomous systems. DPRK-linked hackers infiltrated over 320 companies using GenAI. Cybercriminals are exploiting AI agent vulnerabilities to steal credentials and deploy malware. Cloud attacks, especially from Chinese groups, surged by 136%. The report emphasizes securing AI systems against these emerging threats as the cyber battleground evolves.

Software Experts named Avast “Best Antivirus” for its robust threat detection, broad platform support, and comprehensive privacy features. Avast Premium Security offers proactive protection with advanced malware detection, phishing and ransomware shields, and web threat prevention. The suite includes Scam Guardian Pro, an AI-powered defense against online scams. Avast Ultimate bundles Premium Security with SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium, providing a holistic security, privacy, and performance solution. Avast’s technologies are certified by leading independent labs and protect over 435 million users globally.

A *People’s Daily* commentary questioning the security of Nvidia’s H20 chip has sparked debate over potential “tracking” and “remote shutdown” vulnerabilities. Nvidia denies any “backdoors,” but China seeks verifiable proof of security, emphasizing cybersecurity’s importance. U.S. legislation, the “Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act,” proposes tracking advanced chips to prevent illegal diversion. Experts believe regulatory scrutiny targets potential risks associated with Nvidia’s products, aiming to ensure their security before widespread adoption in China. Verifiable evidence from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is needed to alleviate concerns.

Microsoft has expanded its .NET bug bounty program, increasing the top reward to $40,000 for critical vulnerabilities in .NET and ASP.NET Core. The program now encompasses a wider range of technologies and offers tiered rewards based on the severity of the vulnerability, incentivizing researchers to focus on the most damaging flaws, like Remote Code Execution (RCE) and Elevation of Privilege (EoP). This move reflects Microsoft’s commitment to proactive security and leveraging external talent to identify weaknesses.