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JadePuffer: First AI-Agent Ransomware Automates Entire Attack

  Security researchers have identified JadePuffer as the first ransomware operation conducted entirely by an AI agent, marking a watershed m...

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Venezuela Earthquake
Android Earthquake Alerts Earthquake Early Warning System Google Earthquake Alerts Smartphone Earthquake Alerts Technology Venezuela Earthquake

Google Sent Earthquake Warnings Before Venezuela Tremor Reached Millions


In Venezuela, millions of Android users received earthquake alerts on their phones just minutes before two devastating 7.1 and 7.5 earthquakes struck, highlighting the increasing importance of smartphone-based early warning systems for disaster response. 


Google reported that its Android Earthquake Alerts System issued warnings to approximately 11.4 million people during the earthquakes in Venezuela. It was estimated that nearly 1.4 million users received the highest priority "Take Action" alerts, with warning times ranging from a few seconds to nearly two minutes based on their distance from the epicentre. 

Using Google's Android Earthquake Alert System, alerts were generated at the earliest signs of seismic activity and sent to affected areas prior to the strongest ground shaking. Warnings included an estimation of magnitude and an approximate distance from the epicentre to allow recipients to take immediate protective measures before destructive shaking began. 

Experts pointed out that Google did not predict the earthquake. The system detected primary seismic waves (P-waves), which are fast-moving and travel in advance of secondary waves (S-waves), which are stronger and more destructive. Within approximately three seconds after the earthquake began, stationary Android phones detected the initial P-waves, while Google's servers confirmed the event and began issuing alerts approximately six seconds later. 

As Nikhar Arora, Director at BOTS, explains, the magnitude shown in the initial alert is merely a preliminary estimate and can be revised if more seismic data becomes available. According to HR Anexi, Android smartphones are essentially a large-scale distributed sensor network. With their accelerometers, Android smartphones can detect unusual ground movement, allowing Google to analyze data from multiple nearby devices, estimate the location and magnitude of an earthquake, and send an alert rapidly. 

After launching the Android Earthquake Alerts System in California in 2020, Google expanded the system worldwide in 2021. In regions where monitoring infrastructure is limited, this platform uses data from national seismological agencies along with crowdsourced Android smartphone networks to identify earthquakes and to deliver rapid alerts. 

It is estimated that hundreds of millions of earthquake warnings have been delivered worldwide by the Android Earthquake Alerts System, thus significantly expanding access to early warning technology to areas without dedicated seismic alert infrastructure. With limited earthquake early warning infrastructure in Venezuela, Google's crowdsourced smartphone network was instrumental in estimating the location and intensity of an earthquake by analysing motion data from thousands of Android devices before stronger shaking reached nearby areas. 

A new debate has arisen over the role of technology in disaster management following the Venezuela incident. In his opinion, Hrishit Panthry, the Co-Founder of Envirocare Foundation, stated that smartphones have become a powerful tool for delivering emergency alerts directly to citizens. With the growth of cities and the interconnection of infrastructure, early-warning systems are becoming increasingly important as cities continue to expand. It is also believed that lessons can be applied beyond earthquakes.

A similar real-time warning technology would improve community resilience by facilitating faster communication during other natural disasters, such as flooding, severe storms, and extreme heat. Additionally, the incident highlighted differences between how earthquake alerts are delivered via smartphone platforms. The built-in sensors on Android devices can detect seismic activity in conjunction with official monitoring systems, while other platforms in many regions rely primarily on government-run alert systems for emergency notification.

Experts believe that the wider adoption of integrated warning technologies could help to further strengthen public safety. During the recent Venezuelan earthquakes, governments, scientists and technology companies have demonstrated how they are increasingly utilizing connected devices and real-time data in order to strengthen emergency response efforts. 

Although early warning systems cannot prevent earthquakes, experts say even a few seconds prior notice can assist in saving lives. During the Venezuela earthquake, advances in smartphone-based early warning systems were demonstrated as a major factor in improving disaster preparedness. 

Even though no technology can predict an earthquake in advance, rapid detection and timely alerts can provide crucial seconds to help reduce injuries and improve emergency responses. As these systems continue to evolve, collaboration among technology companies, scientists, and governments will be crucial to expanding access to life-saving warnings worldwide.
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Indian Government
Broadcasting Content Censorship Content Moderation Cyber Governance Cyber Security Data governance compliance Indian Government

India Orders Telegram to Crack Down on Pirated Movies and OTT Content, Seeks Compliance Report

 

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the messaging platform Telegram to take down the pirated films, OTT content and other audio-visual material uploaded on it. It also called upon the company to put in place measures to actively detect, report, disable and remove such unauthorized content from its platform instead of waiting for the government to notify it of alleged violations. 

As per the ministry's direction, the company was also asked to provide the details regarding steps taken by it against repeat offenders of copyright infringement on its platform like channels, groups, bots, admins, users and other entities. As per the notice sent by the ministry, the company was also asked to provide the details about its grievance redressal mechanism for film producers, OTT platforms, broadcasters, and law enforcement agencies concerning copyright infringements. 

At the same time, Telegram was also asked to suggest the steps it has taken to prevent, detect and remove the unauthorized copyrighted content. The ministry clarified that with the directions issued, there is an attempt to move to the next level in taking action against copyright infringement on online platforms. It emphasized that apart from responding to individual complaints, the onus is upon the companies to put in place robust systems to proactively prevent and detect such violations. 

The government has already taken down over 3,000 Telegram channels for hosting and distributing pirated content. However, it is felt that the step taken so far by blocking channels one by one is not an effective approach and the companies need to move to the next level. The ministry reminded Telegram that it was obliged to comply with the requirements of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 concerning its responsibility as an intermediary platform. 

It observed that due diligence by the companies so that they are not host to any unlawful activities on their platforms cannot be left to the authorities to identify the channels hosting unlawful content. The ministry drew attention to the fact that violation of copyright laws in India is not only a civil wrong but also a punishable offence under Copyright Act, 1957 and Cinematograph Act, 1952. 

Therefore, continued availability of unauthorized content on Telegram, lack of adequate response as expected by the ministry, and failure to address the issues raised by it may trigger further regulatory actions. The latest initiative by the ministry reflects its commitment to protecting and promoting India's creator economy and the content ecosystem. 

It may be noted that the government has taken several steps to ensure that the rights of filmmakers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers, distributors and other content creators are protected against online piracy. By asking the online intermediaries to take more responsibility, the government is encouraging them to adopt better moderation practices in order to prevent the unlawful use of content on their platforms.
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EV cybersecurity
battery security Cyber Security electric rickshaws electric scooters Electric Vehicles EV battery tampering EV cybersecurity

Centre Plans New Cybersecurity Norms for Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers to Address Battery Tampering Risks

 

The Central government is preparing to introduce new cybersecurity measures aimed at preventing unauthorised tampering with the batteries of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The proposed regulations are expected to mandate stronger software security standards for electric scooters and e-rickshaws, including fully imported models, which have so far operated with limited cybersecurity oversight.

As part of the initiative, authorities are also considering banning mobile applications that can be used to exploit vulnerabilities in electric vehicles equipped with imported Chinese batteries. 

Officials from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have reportedly held discussions on addressing these security concerns.

"The software security vulnerability will be plugged," a senior official told ET, adding downloads of mobile apps that can disturb e2w and e3w are expected to be curbed.

According to officials, the decision to restrict such software stems from the difficulty of individually fixing every electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler already in circulation. The software reportedly takes advantage of weaknesses in battery troubleshooting systems, enabling unauthorised users to interfere with vehicle operations.

Another official said electric rickshaws and low-speed electric scooters were initially permitted to encourage wider adoption of electric mobility. However, this also resulted in a significant influx of low-cost imported electric vehicles from China.

"A call has been taken to ensure more safety and software safeguards in new e2w and e3w sold in the country," the official said, adding roadworthy certificates will be issued only to new vehicle models that are free from such vulnerabilities.

The upcoming regulations are also expected to cover completely imported electric vehicles sold in India, ensuring they comply with the same cybersecurity and software safety requirements as locally manufactured models.
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Scams
CyberCrime Malware Attack Microsoft Operation Endgame Ransomware Scams

Operation Endgame Disrupts Global Cyber Crime Assembly Line


Private companies and international authorities have disrupted a malicious “assembly line” that let hackers steal millions of login details and theft of $47 million in ransom payments via extortion. The operation aimed at catching two tools that are used in online scams.

The first tool is called Amadey, a malware-as-a-service platform for disrupting devices and deploying infected payloads for ransomware and related attacks. Amadey was first discovered in 2018 and in 2025, it exploited GitHub as it stored system info from malicious devices and deployed custom payloads.

The second tool is called StealC, it is an infostealer-as-a-service tool that steals cryptocurrency wallets, browser extensions, authentication cookies, and login credentials.

Disrupting a crucial link in the cyberattacks chain

Amadey and StealC are distinct tools that function autonomously. They are widely used, but many people use them in their personal cybercrime operations. 

The tools depend on the same infrastructure to function. Microsoft made this link after analyzing the tools using AI. The discovery allowed Microsoft to stop both tools simultaneously.

“This action goes after the cybercrime ‘assembly line,’ where coordinated tools drive ransomware, financial fraud, and disruptions to public services. Amadey and StealC are often used alongside each other: Amadey helps attackers gain access to devices, while StealC steals passwords and sensitive information. Together, they form a critical link in the chain,” Microsoft said.

About the investigation

Companies gathered proof that the tools shared the same infrastructure and invoked RICO statutes against organized crime. This resulted in treating the two tools as part of a single scam. 

Microsoft has disrupted over 200 C2 servers and shut down criminal control of over 18,000 compromised computers. Europol also assisted in the operation to track down the culprits and recovered around 27 million stolen login details and found $47 million worth of crypto assets tied to cybercriminals.

“During this action, 326 servers and 142 domains were actioned by law enforcement and the private sector partners, severely crippling the malware’s distribution network. By taking down these tools simultaneously, the collaboration between law enforcement and private parties has increased friction for cybercriminals, making it harder for attacks to succeed, spread, or recover,”  Europol said.

Operation Endgame

Other firms that helped in “Operation Endgame” are ESET, IBM X-Force, ESET, Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions, and Bitsight. 

According to Europol, another tool that disrupted Operation Endgame was SocGholish. It is a malware installer tied to the Russian cybercrime group Evil Corp. that distributes via hacked websites. If you visit such sites, you will be tricked into installing malware apps mimicking as browser extensions or genuine software.  

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technology
AI chips IBM NanoStack semiconductor Supercomputers technology

IBM Explores Vertical Chip Architecture to Extend the Future of Semiconductor Scaling

 




IBM researchers have developed a new semiconductor architecture that could dramatically increase the number of transistors packed onto a silicon chip while improving both computing performance and energy efficiency. The company's experimental design, known as NanoStack, represents a departure from conventional chip scaling by expanding vertically instead of relying solely on shrinking transistor dimensions.

According to IBM, the new architecture has the potential to accommodate approximately 100 billion transistors on a silicon chip roughly the size of a fingernail. Although the technology remains in the research phase and is still years away from commercial manufacturing, the announcement underlines one of the industry's latest efforts to overcome the physical limitations confronting modern semiconductor development.

IBM says NanoStack is comparable to a 0.7-nanometre technology generation, placing it below the 1-nanometre threshold that has long been viewed as a significant milestone in chip manufacturing. While node names such as 2 nm or 0.7 nm no longer represent the exact physical dimensions of transistors, they generally indicate successive generations of manufacturing technology that deliver greater transistor density, improved performance, and lower power consumption.

In laboratory testing, IBM reported that its prototype achieved up to 50% higher performance than its previously demonstrated 2 nm research chip while consuming as much as 70% less energy under comparable conditions. Those improvements, if successfully translated into commercial manufacturing, could support faster artificial intelligence workloads, improve cloud computing efficiency, reduce power consumption in data centres, and extend battery life in mobile devices.

Rather than focusing exclusively on making individual transistors smaller, NanoStack introduces a new architectural approach by stacking multiple layers of transistors vertically. Traditional semiconductor manufacturing has primarily increased computing capability by placing more transistors across the surface of a silicon wafer. As transistor miniaturization approaches fundamental physical limits, researchers are increasingly exploring three-dimensional designs that use vertical space to continue increasing transistor density without proportionally expanding chip size.

Transistors serve as the fundamental electronic switches inside every processor, enabling calculations performed by smartphones, personal computers, gaming systems, enterprise servers, networking equipment, and the rapidly expanding infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence. As more transistors are integrated into a processor, chips are generally able to execute more operations simultaneously, improving computational performance across a wide range of applications.

The continued drive toward higher transistor density has historically been guided by Moore's Law, the observation that the number of transistors integrated onto a chip approximately doubles every two years. For decades, that trend has driven advances in computing performance while reducing the cost of processing power. However, maintaining that pace has become increasingly difficult as transistor dimensions approach atomic scales, where issues such as heat generation, electrical leakage, manufacturing complexity, and quantum effects become far more challenging to manage.

IBM's NanoStack architecture represents one possible response to those constraints by building upward rather than outward. Industry researchers often compare this concept to urban development. Instead of constructing additional houses across limited land, engineers create increasingly taller buildings to accommodate more occupants within the same footprint. Similarly, vertically stacking transistor layers allows exponentially more computing elements to occupy the same silicon area.

The concept also distinguishes IBM's research from other advanced semiconductor initiatives pursuing three-dimensional integration. While several major chip manufacturers have already adopted various forms of 3D packaging and transistor architectures, IBM's proposal seeks to extend vertical integration even further, reflecting the growing industry focus on architectural innovation as conventional transistor scaling becomes more difficult.

Despite its promise, vertically stacked semiconductor designs introduce substantial engineering challenges. Heat generated by densely packed transistors becomes more difficult to dissipate as additional layers are added, potentially affecting reliability and long-term performance. Extremely thin insulating materials separating transistors may also allow unintended electrical leakage, making it harder for components to switch cleanly between operating states. Engineers must additionally solve complex manufacturing problems involving layer alignment, interconnections between stacked components, power delivery, fabrication precision, and production yield before such architectures can be manufactured at commercial scale.

Although NanoStack remains an experimental technology, IBM's latest research illustrates how semiconductor innovation is evolving beyond simply reducing transistor size. Future advances are increasingly expected to depend on new chip architectures, advanced materials, and sophisticated three-dimensional integration techniques capable of delivering the computing performance required by artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and next-generation consumer electronics.

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Hackers sentenced
ALPHV Blackcat Ransomware BlackCat Cyber Security Hackers sentenced

U.S. Security Expert Sentenced for Aiding BlackCat Ransomware Gang

 

A cybersecurity professional has become the third U.S. security expert sentenced to prison for aiding a ransomware gang, marking a significant escalation in insider threat cases involving incident response firms. Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old from Florida, pleaded guilty to providing confidential victim information to the BlackCat/Alphv cybercrime group while ostensibly working to help companies negotiate with attackers. 

Modus operandi 

Martino worked as a ransomware negotiator for DigitalMint, a Chicago-based incident response company hired by victims to minimize damage and negotiate lower payouts. Instead, he fed critical details to BlackCat operators, including insurance policy limits and negotiation strategies, enabling the gang to maximize ransom demands across five separate incidents. Prosecutors revealed that Martino also assisted co-conspirators Kevin Martin and Ryan Goldberg in deploying BlackCat ransomware against U.S. victims for six months in 2023, effectively becoming an affiliate of the criminal group. The trio earned more than $1.2 million from a single victim during this period. 

Martino faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 2026, following guilty pleas from Martin and Goldberg in late 2025, who each received four-year sentences in April 2026. Federal authorities have already seized $10 million worth of assets from Martino as part of the investigation. The Justice Department emphasized that Martino's actions directly assisted ransomware actors and increased the financial burden on victim organizations, undermining trust in the cybersecurity incident response ecosystem. 

Lessons for the Industry 

This case highlights a concerning trend of cybersecurity professionals exploiting their trusted positions to facilitate cybercrime, raising questions about vetting processes and oversight within incident response firms. Organizations are now urged to conduct thorough background checks on security personnel and implement strict compliance measures to prevent similar insider threats. The BlackCat/Alphv gang, once a dominant ransomware outfit, has been linked to numerous high-profile attacks, and this collusion scheme demonstrates how criminal groups increasingly target the defenders themselves. 

As the cybersecurity field grapples with this breach of trust, the Martino case serves as a stark reminder that even those hired to protect can become perpetrators. Companies must strengthen internal controls, monitor negotiator activities, and ensure transparency in ransomware response engagements. With sentencing underway and more cases potentially emerging, the industry faces a critical moment to restore confidence in its ability to defend against evolving ransomware threats without internal compromise.
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