92% of enterprise PCs are left vulnerable amidst the AI revolution, according to new research from Absolute Security, a cybersecurity professional services provider. The findings were revealed in the ‘Absolute Security Cyber Resilience Risk Index 2024’ report, where Absolute Security analysed data from over 5 million end point devices. Despite the rush to leverage AI on endpoints, the report highlights that 92% of PCs have insufficient RAM capacity that leading industry groups say is needed to support it. Organisations that want to take advantage of AI will need to replace entir ..read more

Sophos X-Ops has discovered multiples of a new emergent ransomware variants proliferating across the dark web. Junk gun ransomware, cheap independently produces and crudely constructed ransomware variants, are being used by threat actors to disrupt the traditional affiliate-based ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model that has dominated the ransomware racket for nearly a decade. Instead of selling or buying ransomware to – or as – an affiliate, attackers are creating and selling unsophisticated ransomware variants for a one-time cost, which other attackers sometimes see as an opportunity to targ ..read more

A new report has accused Meta of failing to moderate political ads after discovering a flurry of pro-Russian propaganda in Europe ahead of EU elections. The new investigation by AI Forensics has explored a sprawling Russian influence operation exploiting the tech giant’s failure to moderate ads and delete propaganda in the EU. “The systemic failure in moderating political ads by Meta is deeply concerning, especially with elections on the horizon. The surge of pro-Russian propaganda is a prime example; despite repeated warnings, Meta has acknowledged the issue, claimed significant investment in ..read more

Investment scams were up 23% in 2023, accounting for a third of all money Barclays customers lost, according to data released by the banking group. This coincides with data from the Financial Conduct Authority’s customer helpline that shows there has been a sharp spike in investment scam-related calls, up 193% in the last five years. Of all scam types, investment scams made up the greatest share of total claim values, with the volume of investment scams increasing by nearly a third (29%). Investment scam victims are claiming an average of £14,313, over five times more than the overall average ..read more

In a recent report released by HSBC Innovation Banking and Dealroom, the UK’s fintech sector surged back to the forefront of startup funding, securing a whopping $1.4 billion (£1.1bn) raised over 73 rounds in Q1 2024.  The report also indicated stabilisation in VC investment levels in the UK, with startups raising a total of $3.9bn (£3.1bn) in Q1. To put this in perspective, the amount raised by UK startups in this time is nearly as much as Germany and France combined.  While London remains the top city for capital raised, funding has been flowing into other innovation centres across ..read more

The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, has purchased Ameca from Engineered Arts, making it the first facility in the UK to host the cutting-edge humanoid robot. The acquisition is a key part of the facility’s extensive public engagement efforts, aimed at demystifying complex technologies and fostering a greater understanding of the potential benefits of robotics and AI in society. Ameca’s sophisticated features, including embedded microphones, cameras, facial re ..read more

Starting today, millions of UK residents will receive email invitations to transition to an eVisa system, marking a shift away from traditional physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). The move, initiated by the Home Office, aims to enhance security and efficiency while offering greater convenience to the public. Residents will receive email invitations to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which will now serve as digital proof of their legal immigration status.  At this moment, the process is by invitation only, however, it will open up to al ..read more

Worldwide IT spending is expected to total $5.06 trillion (£4.06 trillion) in 2024, an increase of 8% from 2023, according to the latest forecast by Gartner Inc. This is an increase from the previous quarter’s forecast of 6.8% growth and puts worldwide IT spending on track to surpass $8 trillion (£6.4 trillion) well before the end of the decade. “With spending on IT services on track to grow by 9.7% to eclipse $1.52 trillion (£1.22 trillion), this category is on pace to become the largest market that Gartner tracks,” said John-David Lovelock, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner. “Enterprises a ..read more

Phlo have announced the close of a £9 million funding round, accessing additional investment for their group of businesses amid a challenging investor market. The new capital will power significant scaling of the digital healthcare business, and its evolution from a digital pharmacy into a ‘holistic digital healthcare leader.’ The raise comes at a difficult time in the market, where investment in digital health startups has declined year-on-year since 2021. However, Phlo’s in-house technology stack and commitment to digital-first patient care and health outcomes has been a major driving force ..read more

A retractable wingsail that developer Smart Green Shipping estimates can save commercial shipping companies up to 30% fuel per year will be launched by first minister Humza Yousaf today (Wednesday 17 April). Its development has been supported by £1.8 million Scottish Enterprise grant funding and £1.35 million equity investment from leading Japanese shipping company MOL Drybulk and Scottish Enterprise, with South of Scotland Enterprise helping the company establish a base in Dumfries. Technology to optimise a ship’s route based on weather forecast data will enable commercial vessels fitted with ..read more