Russian technology companies enabling Putin's war machine are targetted in fresh round of US sanctions from Treasury Dept
TECHNOLOGY POWERING BUSINESS
March 2022
Dyson’s First Wearable Is Air-Purifying Headphone Device
Available in the Autumn, Dyson unveils its first wearable device called the Dyson Zone, which incorporates air-purifying headphones and facemask
Tech Most Favoured Sector Amid ‘Great Resignation’
BT research revealed tech industry is the most popular for people looking to switch their careers, during the so called 'great resignation'
US Privately Warned Businesses About Kaspersky, Day After Invasion
US government officials began privately warning certain US companies about Kaspersky, the day after Russia invaded Ukraine
EU To Optimise Its Antitrust Rules – Report
Senior EU official confirms bloc will evaluate its antitrust enforcement framework, to ensure it is truly fit for the digital age
Crypto Hackers Steal $615m From Ronin Network
Largest decentralised finance hack in history? Axie Infinity’s Ronin Network admits breach and says it lost $615m in USDC and ethereum
Waymo Expands Phoenix Driverless Service, Offers San Fran Staff Rides
Waymo staff in San Francisco now offered driverless rides, as the firm also expand its autonomous rides to downtown Phoenix
Smart energy and customer experience, the future for homes and utility companies
Tesla Signs Deal To Source More Nickel – Report
Deal to source essential ingredient for electric vehicle batteries secured by Tesla, amid supply chain issues during pandemic and Ukraine war
Pentagon’s JEDI Contract Successor, JWCC, Delayed Until December
Yet another cloud contract delay. US DoD delays its Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract from April until December
Nebulon Touts Rapid Ransomware Recovery Solution
Combined server and storage system from Nebulon is claimed to deliver a four minute ransomware recovery solution for businesses
FBI Warns Russian Hackers Scanning US Energy Systems
Russian hackers detected scanning energy company systems and other critical infrastructure, FBI officials tells US lawmakers
Meta Suspends Plan To Build Dutch Data Centre After Opposition
Political and local opposition in the Netherlands sees Facebook-owner Meta suspend plans to build a giant data centre in Zeewolde
Retro Computing Museum Destroyed By Russian Bombing
Hundreds of retro computers and consoles destroyed as museum in Mariupol is destroyed by Russian bombing campaign in the Ukraine city
US Senate Approves $52 Billion US Chips Act
One step closer? Senate approves $52 billion in US subsidies to encourage semiconductor manufacturing in the United States
Europe and US Agree Trans-Atlantic Data Sharing Deal
United States and European Union reach new agreement to allow businesses to transfer data and personal information across the pond
Elon Musk Considers Building New Social Media Platform
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he is giving “serious thought” to building a Twitter rival, and admits he has Covid for second time
Ukraine’s Ukrtelecom Suffers Outage After Cyberattack
Major internet disruption in Ukraine this week, after 'nation-scale' cyberattack on national telecoms provider Ukrtelecom
Okta Admits ‘Mistake’ Waiting Two Months Before Breach Admission
Amid criticism of its response, Okta now admits it “made a mistake” and says it “would have made a different decision” over its lengthy breach admission
European Union Agrees DMA To Curb Big Tech
Online gatekeepers such as Apple, Google and Meta targetted as the European Union last week reached landmark digital rules agreement
Organisations Outmatched By Nation-State Hackers, Survey Finds
Businesses are increasingly seeking government help in light of cyberattacks from nation-state attackers, survey from Trellix and CSIS
Apple To Cut iPhone Production – Report
Inflation pressures, coupled with the Ukraine invasion have been blamed as Apple plans to lower production of iPhone SE and AirPods in 2022
Spotify Suspends Service In Russia
Moscow's new media law, coupled with the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, sees music streaming giant suspend its Russia service
Apple Not Fully Compiling On App Store, Says Dutch Watchdog
More fines on the way as Dutch watchdog insists Apple has not fully compiled with order to open App Store payment options
The Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Workforce Management
What general impact has the pandemic had on workforce management? And how are businesses now using digital tools to manage their dispersed workforces?
Russia’s Kaspersky, China Telecom Added To US National Security List
American communications watchdog adds Kaspersky Lab, China Telecom (Americas), and China Mobile International USA to threat list
Oxford Teenager Arrested In Lapsus$ Crackdown
City of London police arrest seven people, including a 16 year old from Oxford, over suspected connections to Lapsus$ hacking group
Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Post-Pandemic Entrepreneurs
Has the so-called ‘great resignation’ been a major component of the surge in new tech business start-ups? And how are these new businesses using technology as the foundation of their enterprises?
Most IT Bosses View Skills Gap As ‘Urgent Concern’
Research from Cloudreach shows clear majority of IT managers are very worried about the ongoing digital skills gap, which is hampering cloud transformations
Anonymous Claims Hack Of Russia’s Central Bank
Hacking group's war on Russia continues with Central Bank hack claim. And Anonymous promises to release 35,000 files containing 'secret agreements'
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Google Tests Health Monitoring Via Smartphone Sensors
Yet another healthcare move from Google, which is now testing the sensors on smartphones for heart monitoring and eyeball health
US Court Ends China’s ZTE Probation
Five year US probation for Chinese telecoms firm ZTE, for selling American goods to North Korea and Iran, has been ended by a US judge
Bank Of England Begins To Outline UK’s Crypto Regulatory Approach
The UK's Bank of England begins this week to publicly outline its first regulatory framework for cryptoassets, amid ongoing concerns
Intel CEO: Chip Fabs Are As Strategical Important As Oil
For the past five decades oil reserves defined geopolitics, but Intel's Pat Gelsinger says semiconductor fabs are now equally important
ExtraHop Adds AI To Bolster Threat Detection For AWS
ExtraHop's Reveal(x) 360 product now utilises AI for network telemetry analysis, to better defend and secure Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Arizona To Accept Digital Driver’s Licences On iPhones
Going digital. People with Apple iPhones in Arizona can now upload their driver's licence or state ID to their Apple Wallet
Apple Acquires UK Fintech Credit Kudos – Report
Tech giant Apple reportedly acquires British fintech start-up Credit Kudos for $150m, to perhaps bolster its financial services operation
UK Watchdog Warns 50 Crypto Firms Of ‘Misleading Ads’
Enforcement notices dispatched. The UK's Advertising Standards Authority puts 50 crypto firms on notice over 'misleading ads'
Okta Now Concedes Hundreds Of Customers Impacted By Breach
Authentication specialist Okta now admits that Lapsus$ may have in fact accessed customer data, after initially denying a breach
IBM Sues LzLabs Over Mainframe Patents
Over a decade since the Neon lawsuit, Big Blue sues LzLabs, alleging the Swiss mainframe migration firm infringed its mainframe patents
Apple Services Resume After Multiple Outages
App Store and other Apple services are back online after outages over a two day period, reportedly being blamed on a DNS issue
Elon Musk Opens Tesla Gigafactory In Germany
Tesla and Elon Musk have officially opened its third factory near Berlin, with first deliveries of its Model Y being made on Tuesday
Authentication Specialist Okta Denies Data Breach
Okta says there was an unsuccessful compromise attempt in January via a third party, but it had limited potential impact to its customers
Cisco Looks To Hybrid Workplaces With Webex Updates
Cisco unveils hybrid work solutions in its Webex platform, as collaboration becomes vital component in workplaces following the pandemic
Google Settles Lawsuit With Fired Engineers
Settlement with four former engineers who sued Google over alleged retaliation, because of their staff organising activities
Russia Finds Meta ‘Guilty’ Of Extremism Activity
As jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny is sentenced to another 9 years in maximum security, Moscow court finds Meta guilty of 'extremist activity'
Microsoft Investigates After Lapsus$ Hack Claim
Lapsus$ strikes again? Redmond investigating claims that Brazilian-based hacking group Lapsus$ leaked 37GB of its source code
OneWeb To Use SpaceX Rockets For Satellite Launches
Bye Russia. Alternative launch option for satellites, after the UK's OneWeb signs agreement with US competitor SpaceX to resume launches
The Neo Digital Nomad
As enterprises re-design processes, how they connect and support their workforces, and begin to understand what post-pandemic business means to them, how does the shift to become digital nomads shape how enterprises are evolving?
Leading Semiconductor Physicist Killed In Ukraine Fighting
Leading semiconductor physicist Vasyl Kladko dies amidst Russian incursion in Kyiv area, as science agency warns institutes under military attack
Moscow Court Rejects Meta Call To Dismiss Extremism Case
Moscow court rejects Facebook parent Meta Platforms' request to dismiss case to designate it as 'extremist' organisation amidst Ukraine conflict
Volkswagen Inks Joint Ventures For China EV Battery Supplies
Volkswagen to establish joint ventures with China's Huayou Cobalt and Tsingshan Group for nickel and cobalt as raw material prices soar
Regulators Monitor Crypto Over Russia Sanction Fears
Regulators at G20 countries say they are monitoring use of cryptocurrencies amidst fears they could be used to evade sanctions on Russia
Australia To Give Media Regulator New Powers In Misinformation Push
Australian media regulator Acma to be able to force tech companies to hand over data relating to misinformation and disinformation efforts
Meta Adds Parental Controls To VR, Instagram
Facebook/Meta adds first parental controls to Oculus VR headsets as it expands 'metaverse', activates Instagram safety features
Heineken Launches Virtual Beer In Metaverse
Brewer launches virtual beer Heineken Silver to highlight strengths and limitations of metaverse, in what it calls an 'ironic joke'
AWS To Spend £1.8bn On UK Data Centres
Amazon Web Services is to spend close to £2 billion in the UK over next two years on data centre infrastructure, skills and renewable energy
Australia Sues Meta Over Facebook Scam Adverts
Competition watchdog down under launches legal proceedings against Meta Platforms for publishing scam advertisements on Facebook
Ofcom Revokes RT’s Broadcast Licence
UK regulator revokes RT's broadcast licence with immediate effect, due to its ties to the Russian state, plus previous impartiality breaches
Facebook, YouTube Remove Zelensky Deepfake Video
More dirty tricks from Putin? Tech platforms remove deepfake video of Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for surrender
Microsoft Data Centre Region In Finland To Heat Nearby Cities
Software giant Microsoft is to build a new energy efficient data centre region in Finland, which will supply heating to nearby cities and towns
Russian Court Overturns Import Ban On Samsung Smartphones
Too late? Days after Samsung halts device shipments to Russia, a local court overturns an IP ruling last year against 61 smartphone models
Eugene Kaspersky Labels BSI Decision ‘Unfair, And Outright Wrong’
Founder of Kaspersky Lab hits back at Germany's 'political' decision, and says firm was insulted to only be given hours to respond to unfounded allegations
Government Introduces Amended Online Safety Bill
Updated proposals will make UK safest place online with a number of stiff penalties and sanctions, the Government claims, but critics not convinced
Netflix To Start Charging For Password Sharing
After two subscription price rises, it emerges that Netflix knows when a person shares their password with others, and will soon start charging
Tesla Halts Production At Shanghai Factory, Amid Covid Outbreak
China tightens restrictions across the country as Coronavirus infections surge, with Tesla suspending production at its Shanghai factory
NortonLifeLock, Avast Merger Faces UK Competition Probe
NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec) merger with London-listed Avast under threat after UK's CMA signals deeper investigation
BMW Blames Russian Invasion, As It Lowers Profit Forecast
German carmaker BMW warns of ongoing chip shortages and new supply chain disruptions caused by Russian's invasion of Ukraine
Germany’s Cyber Agency BSI Warns Against Kaspersky AV
Germany's cyber agency warns against use of Russian anti-virus software Kaspersky, saying there is a serious hacking risk
Meta Fined $19m For 2018 Data Breach
Ireland's data protection watchdog issues 17 million euros fine against Meta for 12 data breaches notifications back in 2018
Tesla Raises Prices For Second Time In Days
Second price rise for Tesla electric vehicles in the space of a week, as inflationary pressure continues amidst Ukraine war
Intel Confirms ‘Mega Factory’ In Germany
Chip giant Intel says it will initially invest 33 billion euros in EU, including 17bn euros for a 'semiconductor fab mega-site in Germany'
Russia’s Roskomnadzor Hacked By Anonymous
Hacking collective Anonymous says it breached Russia federal agency Roskomnadzor last week and leaked 360,000 files (800GB)
ARM To Axe 15 Percent Of Staff, 1,000 Jobs To Go
Chip designer ARM is to cut 15 percent of its workforce, as it reverts to its backup plan of an initial public offering after the Nvidia deal collapse
Ukraine Using Clearview AI On Dead Russian Soldiers
Facial recognition system from Clearview AI used by Ukraine to uncover Russian special forces, combat misinformation, and identify dead Russian troops
Toyota To Cut Production By As Much As 20 Percent
Ongoing chip shortages forces Japanese car giant Toyota to cut its Q2 domestic production target by as much as 20 percent
Demand For VPNs In Russia Surges After Facebook, Instagram Block
Russians' are flocking to download VPNs so as to bypass the Kremlin's block on Meta platforms including WhatsApp and Instagram
Tencent ‘Facing Record Fine’ Over Payment Violations
China tech giant Tencent Group facing record fine from central bank over violations of money laundering rules as fintech crackdown continues
Apple Suppliers Hit By Fresh China Covid-19 Restrictions
Dozens of tech manufacturers in China's Shenzhen, including Apple supplier Foxconn, forced to shut down as coronavirus cases rise
Tesla, SpaceX Face ‘Significant’ Inflation Pressure, Musk Says
Elon Musk says electric carmaker Tesla and rocket company SpaceX both face 'significant' inflationary pressures amidst Ukraine conflict
Ford Expands Electric Vehicle Deal With Volkswagen
Ford to manufacture additional all-electric vehicle on Volkswagen's platform, expanding planned line-up for European market
Meta Bars Calls For Death Of Head Of State In Policy Shift
Meta narrows Facebook and Instagram rules to bar calls for death of head of state, while allowing other 'calls for violence'
The Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Beyond Productivity
As some workers move back to their offices, others will create a more hybrid way to work. Is this massive change in how we organise work leading to better productivity? And how can technology help businesses create new hybrid, agile en ...
UK Regulator Warns Against ‘Illegal’ Crypto Cash Machines
Financial Conduct Authority warns cryptocurrency ATMs operating in UK are illegal and operators must shut them down or face enforcement action
Russia Shuts Down Instagram Due To ‘Calls For Violence’
Influencers post tearful farewells as Russia media regulator shuts down Instagram after parent company Meta allows calls for violence
Train to Retain: How Technology Can Deliver World Class Learning and Development for Your Business
As the skills gap continues to be challenging, developing comprehensive learning and development (L&D) programs are essential to retaining a highly skilled workforce.
Google, Meta Investigated By EU, UK Over Ad Deal
Antitrust move. The UK and European Commission opens formal antitrust investigations of Google and Meta over ad tech concerns
Chip Shortage Fears Raised, After Ukraine Halts Neon Production
Two of the leading suppliers of neon in Ukraine have halted neon production, raising concern about the impact on worldwide chip production
Meta Allows Calls For Violence Against Putin And Russian Soldiers
Twitter blocks two tweets from Russian embassy in London about bombing of Mariupol hospital, as Meta eases restrictions on violence threats against Putin
Netflix Raises Prices For British And Irish Users
Streaming giant Netflix raises prices again for users in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as it seeks to invest more in content production
Nearly Half Of UK Organisations Suffer Multiple Breaches
Checkmarx report uncovers alarming cybersecurity trends, with 45 percent of UK respondents experiencing multiple breaches in past 12 months
US Lawmakers Urge DoJ Investigation Of Amazon
Bipartisan group of US lawmakers urge DoJ investigation of Amazon, alleging potential criminal obstruction of Congress committee
Vodafone Investigates Hacker Threat To Release Source Code
Following on from Samsung hack, ransomware group Lapsus$ threatens to release a 200GB data tranche of Vodafone source code
Toshiba’s Top Shareholder Opposes Breakup Plan
Years of turmoil at Japan's Toshiba continues, as leading shareholder opposes plan to break itself into three different units
Twitter Launches Dark Web Site To Bypass Russian Block
Twitter follows similar moves by Facebook and BBC, and creates dark web platform so Russian's can bypass Putin's restrictions
Bitcoin Rises After Biden Signs Crypto Executive Order
US executive order signed by President Joe Biden concerning cryptocurrencies, to examine risks and benefits of digital assets
Elon Musk Asks Judge For End Of Oversight Of His Tweets
Tesla boss Elon Musk formally asks a US judge to terminate the 2018 agreement with the SEC allowing lawyers to vet some of his tweets
Online Safety Bill To Include Online Scam Protections
Further tweak to the Government's Online Safety Bill will place onus on tech platforms to protect users from fraudulent adverts and scams
Telegram Founder Reassures Ukrainian Users Of Privacy
Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, says he had to leave Russia because of FSB demands and insists the data of Ukrainian users is safe
China Backed Hackers Compromised Six US State Governments – Mandiant
Prolific Chinese state-sponsored hackers APT41 has compromised at least six US state government networks, Mandiant has warned
Apple Raises Price For Entry-Level iPhone SE
Cheapest iPhone from Apple has just got a bit more expense, with A15 processor and 5G, buried within the old iPhone 8 layout
Rivian Sued By Shareholder, Alleging Misleading IPO Data
Shareholder alleges Rivian misled investors about pricing of SUV models - prices for which were increased, then quickly rolled back after customer backlash
Intel’s Mobileye Files For IPO
Intel’s self-driving-car unit Mobileye files for IPO in the United States, in what could be one of the largest tech floatations of 2022
Anonymous Hacks Russian State TV Stations
Hacktivist group Anonymous hacks streaming services and state TV news channels in Russia to broadcast Ukraine war footage
Google To Acquire Mandiant For $5.4 Billion
Mandiant is to be acquired by Google, after the Alphabet division agrees to pay $5.4 billion for the cybersecurity veteran
Samsung Admits Hackers Stole Source Code
Hackers have stole 190GB of internal company data at Samsung, and gained access to some source code of Galaxy branded devices
IBM, Joins Microsoft, Oracle, SAP With Russia Suspension
Software giants have matched hardware and mobile tech firms, in announcing withdrawal from Russia over its Ukraine invasion
Silicon UK Roundtable: International Women’s Day 2022
On International Women's Day 2022, Silicon UK explores whether women across the tech industry feel there has been a shift in the opportunities open to them, or if barriers and discrimination still exist. Also, what the future holds as ...
Uber Raises Earnings Forecast Amidst Ride-Hailing Surge
Uber raises earnings forecast for current quarter after seeing surge in ride-hailing demand in February, as demand for delivery services remains high
Third-Generation iPhone SE 5G Expected This Week
Third iteration of lower-cost iPhone SE line expected on Tuesday, adding two versions of 5G, more memory and top-of-line A15 processor, analysts say
Microsoft Adds Azure Cloud Data Centres In India, China
Microsoft announces fourth data centre in India and opens fifth Azure region in China with the 'North China' region, as cloud competition heats up
Ukraine To Issue NFTs To Fund War Effort
Ukraine to issue NFTs to fund armed forces in conflict with Russia, after raising millions in anonymous cryptocurrency donations via social media
Facebook Blocked In Russia Over ‘Discrimination’
Russian communications regulator blocks Facebook over 'discrimination' against state-backed media in European Union and UK, as Twitter also blocked
Ukraine Calls Invasion First ‘Hybrid’ War Fought In Cyberspace
Ukraine cyber-security ministry claims it is fending off devastating Russian cyber-attacks on infrastructure, defends formation of volunteer 'IT Army'
TikTok, Netflix Latest To Limit Russian Services
TikTok limits service in Russia to protect safety of staff and users under new 'fake news' law, while Netflix suspends services due to 'circumstances on the ground'
Sony And Honda Team Up For Electric Vehicles
Strange bedfellows? Sony and Honda are to create joint venture, in order to make and sell electric vehicles (EVs) from 2025
Airbnb Suspends All Operations In Russia, Belarus
Rental company Airbnb becomes latest in rush of tech firms cutting ties to Russia and its allies, with suspension of 90,000 rentals
Elon Musk Warns Donated Starlink Systems Could Be Targeted
SpaceX boss warns Starlink systems donated to Ukraine could be targeted by Russian forces, and offers advice to reduce risk
ICANN Rejects Ukraine Request To Remove Russia
It comes as no surprise that Ukraine's request to internet domain body ICANN to remove Russian domains, has been rejected
Twitter Expands ‘Birdwatch’ Trial
Microblogging platform Twitter is expanding the visibility of its 'Birdwatch pilot' that tackles tweets moderators think are incorrect or misleading
Google Sets 4 April For Staff Return To Offices
Staff at Google have been told to should return to physical offices from 4 April, with hybrid working approaches being adopted
Amazon To Close 68 Retail Stores
All Amazon locations of its Pop Up, Amazon Books and 4-star stores, are to be closed in both America and the United Kingdom
Visa, Mastercard Block Russian Financial Institutions
Financial pressure on Moscow continues, with the news that Visa and Mastercard have blocked multiple Russian financial institutions
Launch Of OneWeb Satellites Halted By Russian Demands
Russian space agency will not launch three dozen OneWeb internet satellites as planned on Friday, unless the UK government removes its investment
Are used software licences an alternative to buying new ones?
Since 1 March 2022, the price increase for Microsoft 365 announced by Microsoft in August 2021 takes effect. The price increases apply to business customers of cloud office solutions. For example, Microsoft 365 Business Basic will cost ...
Apple Patent Outlines Mac In A Keyboard
Retro computing move. Patent from Apple imagines Magic keyboard with a built-in Mac, allowing user to just attach screen, mouse
Ukraine Asks ICANN To Remove Russian Domains
Digital fightback by Ukraine sees official letter to internet domain body ICANN, requesting removal of Russian domains from global web
Fitbit Recalls Ionic Smartwatches Over Burn Risk
Google-owned Fitbit recalls more than a million Ionix smartwatches, after burn injuries from overheating lithium-ion battery
Teenager Who Tracked Elon Musk Jet, Now Tracking Russian Oligarchs
Jack Sweeney, famous for tracking the jets of Elon Musk, has now turned his attention to the private jets of Russian oligarchs
Apple Halts Product Sales In Russia Over Ukraine Invasion
More tech pushback against Russia. Apple pauses sales of its physical devices in Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine
Intel Selects German City For European Chip Factory – Report
US chip giant Intel reportedly selects Magdeburg in Germany for new European chip factory, although official confirmation is expected later this week
Nvidia Admits Data Breach, Exposing Staff And Company Data – Report
Data stolen from GPU powerhouse Nvidia has been leaked online, amid media reports that it has suffered a ransomware attack
Google, YouTube, Facebook Block Russia’s RT, Sputnik
After Google and Facebook blocks ad revenues for Russian state-owned media outlets, further restrictions by tech platforms announced
Signal Dismisses Hack Rumour As ‘Misinformation Campaign’
Messaging app Signal denies rumours its platform was hacked, saying it is part of a “co-ordinated misinformation campaign”
Fujitsu Confirms It Will End Mainframe Sales in 2030
Bad news for banks? Mainframe sales will end in 2030, and support will cease by 2035, Fujitsu reveals in roadmap announcement
Toyota’s Manufacturing Shuts Down After Cyberattack
Toyota halts manufacturing at all 14 factories in Japan, after a suspected ransomware cyberattack at supplier Kojima Industries Corp
Elon Musk Activates Starlink Satellites For Ukraine
Connectivity donation. Ukraine confirmed it has received Starlink Internet terminals from Elon Musk's SpaceX, amid Russian invasion
Three digital trends to watch for in 2022
Rarely has the business world transformed as much or as quickly as we’ve witnessed in the past couple of years. And if we’ve learned anything from the global health crisis, it’s that getting in the prediction business is risky. But wit ...