Asia overview Taiwan-based information security consultancy Team T5 has disputed Microsoft’s claimed timeline for when a Beijing-based attack group named Flax Typhoon began operating.
Microsoft last week claimed Flax Typhoon gains and maintains long-term access to targets in Taiwan without heavy reliance on malware. Instead, the group uses a combination of tools built into the operating system and “usually harmless software” that make intrusions undetectable.
“Flax Typhoon gains initial access by exploiting known vulnerabilities in public servers,” Microsoft said. “Targeted services vary, but include VPNs, web, Java, and SQL applications. The payloads of these exploits are web shells such as China Chopper that allow remote code execution on compromised servers. .”
Microsoft said the attacker’s behavior suggests espionage and attempts to maintain access. They also point out that cybergang activity will begin in mid-2021.
However, Taiwanese threat intelligence group TeamT5 said: register It has been tracking the group’s activities since at least 2020, giving it the temporary codename “SLIME13.”
Team T5’s chief analyst, Charles Lee, said the group has contacted and assisted several victim groups, mostly universities and electronics companies in Taiwan, over the past two years.
Indian Prime Minister Calls for Global Regulation of AI and Cryptocurrencies
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday called for global regulation to govern cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the B20 Summit, a business dialogue that takes place as part of the G20 Summit, Modi noted that both themes are emerging issues unimaginable in the last 10-15 years.
Without elaborating, the prime minister said cryptocurrency issues “require a highly integrated approach. I think we need to consider the concerns of all stakeholders and establish a global framework.” claimed.
“A similar approach to this is needed for artificial intelligence (AI),” he added.
“The world is currently awash with excitement about AI, but among that excitement are ethical considerations. We all need to come together.” To address these issues. ”
Modi said business and government “need to work together to ensure the expansion of ethical AI”.
“There is a need to analyze potential disruptions in different sectors. Disruptions are becoming deeper, wider and more significant on a case-by-case basis. I need a solution.”
Modi cited the development of global regulations governing the aviation and financial industries as a precedent for efforts to set rules for cryptocurrencies and AI.
– Simon Sherwood
Vietnam wants information security independence
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh last week called for major reforms to improve the country’s cybersecurity.
Ann announcement Following the Cybersecurity Steering Committee meeting, the Prime Minister elevated information security to his top political priority and called for the mobilization of governments and businesses to improve.
Prime Minister Chin also called for efforts to find the necessary resources to bring about the desired change, including through public-private partnerships.
He also called for Vietnam to achieve independence to protect its own cyberspace.
local media interpreted The prime minister’s words call on Vietnam to develop homegrown information security products.
– Simon Sherwood
China bans generative AI from creating prescriptions
The Chinese government is reportedly planning to ban the use of AI in prescribing prescription drugs. chinese media.
The draft proposal is open for feedback until Sept. 16, and would require prescriptions to be written by a human doctor, possibly in collaboration with a human pharmacist.
US may expand semiconductor sanctions exemptions
The United States is reportedly planning to extend for a year an exemption that allows chip makers based in South Korea and Taiwan to export advanced semiconductor equipment and other technology to China. Nikkei Asia.
US sanctions on China restrict certain semiconductor kits from entering or leaving China, but chip makers such as South Korea’s SK Hynix have been offered exemptions from these rules, allowing some products to enter the Chinese Kingdom. has been given permission to send to South Korea lobbied vigorously for such exemptions, saying it would harm local businesses.
The exemption was due to expire in October, but was expected to be extended from at least May.
Naver mimics Microsoft’s AI to compliment Microsoft’s Bing
South Korean tech giant Naver, often compared to Google, announced Thursday saw an update to hyperscale AI models.
The latest version of Naver’s LLM, called HyperCLOVA X, includes a chatbot called CLOVA X and a Microsoft Bing-like generative AI search engine called Cue. CLOVA X will enter beta testing on Thursday, followed by Cue in September.
Japan and ASEAN Participate in Smartphone Recycling Agreement
The Japanese government and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed last week to reduce e-waste by reusing key materials extracted from used smartphones.
according to Nikkei AsiaJapan will develop rules for e-waste disposal, “including a registration and certification system for collection and dismantling companies,” and the Ministry of the Environment will include the costs in its fiscal 2024 budget request.
Toshiba helps Vanuatu see the light
Japanese tech conglomerate Toshiba launched a trial of an LED lantern sharing service last Tuesday in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
The trial, which ends in September, involves renting solar-powered LED lanterns to residents of Malampa, an unpowered area of Vanuatu. Residents use an app to manage the rental and return of lanterns.
“Toshiba ESS has been focusing on sharing services for electric products charged with renewable energy, and since 2019 has been conducting needs surveys and demonstrations of electric product sharing services in Pacific island countries.” Said Toshiba. “We recently confirmed the need for and acceptance of sharing services by residents of Marampa District in the Republic of Vanuatu, and we have reached an agreement to implement a trial because we can expect to secure economic efficiency through sharing services.” ”
In other news…
India brought good news last week with the successful landing of the Chandrayaan 3 mission on the moon, showing that India is a serious player. In fact, it beat the US and Chinese missions to reach the South Pole.
North Korea has made further attempts to launch what it claims to be satellites, but they have also failed. And neighboring countries are a little tired of this.
In further news about the North Korean prank, the FBI has warned that the Hermit Kingdom may be looking to offload stolen cryptocurrency cash.
Japan’s SoftBank is gearing up for its long-awaited Arm IPO, but analysts are beginning to question the details.
First, Arm proved vulnerable to being shut out of China, where it accounts for a significant portion of its revenue.
Chinese battery maker CATL has made a very bold claim to develop an EV power source that can run 400km on just a 10-minute charge, but the numbers appear to be controversial.
Other Chinese news reports say the Chinese government is looking for ways to circumvent trade restrictions that have stalled supplies of high-tech products and export markets, with some reports suggesting that Huawei is taking steps to build a chip factory. They even accuse them of building secret networks.
By the way, the Semiconductor Industry Association believes that presentation apparently sparked “secret fab” speculation, and thinks the report is a bit overheated and people should cool down.
But that doesn’t mean China isn’t secretly doing bad things. The FBI has pinpointed Chinese government-backed Snoop as the culprit behind the Barracuda email security appliance hack.
And South Korea’s largest telecom company has expressed disappointment that 5G hasn’t delivered all the wonders promised before its debut. ®