AI assistants could potentially manipulate user decisions and sell these intentions before they are consciously made, according to researchers from the University of Cambridge. The 'intention economy' could exploit psychological and behavioral data, raising ethical concerns about its impact on free elections, press, and market competition. Major tech companies like OpenAI, Shopify, Nvidia, Meta, and Apple are developing technologies to predict and influence user intentions, prompting calls for regulation to prevent unintended consequences.

Security firm Wallarm conducted an API honeypot experiment, revealing that APIs are quickly targeted by attackers, with discovery times averaging just 29 seconds. The study highlighted the growing prominence of APIs as attack surfaces, with 54.4% of requests targeting APIs over web applications. The research emphasized the need for organizations to adapt security practices to protect APIs in real-time. Pfcloud UG and DigitalOcean were noted for their significant activity in the experiment, underscoring the global nature of API attacks.

Conspiracy theories are proliferating in response to widespread drone sightings across the U.S., with claims ranging from government plots to alien invasions. Despite the FBI and Pentagon clarifying that most sightings are small aircraft and not military drones, the lack of definitive explanations has fueled further speculation. The Department of Homeland Security is assisting New Jersey State Police in investigating these sightings.

Snapchat, with over 800 million users, is vulnerable to hacking, as evidenced by the FBI's call for victims last year. Signs of a hacked account include strange activity, alerts from Snapchat, and repeated re-authentication requests. To secure a compromised account, users should change their password, enable two-factor authentication, check for unauthorized linked devices, and warn contacts about potential scams. If access is lost, contacting Snapchat support is advised. Preventive measures include using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.

UK banks have experienced a significant reduction in cyber attacks due to tightened regulations by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) focusing on operational resilience. Data from Hack The Box indicates a 53% decrease in incident notifications, with a notable drop in third-party provider attacks. The FCA's efforts include setting impact tolerances and conducting crisis simulations, with further investments required by March next year. Despite these improvements, experts like Lucas Kello emphasize the ongoing threat from nation-state actors and the financial sector's reliance on third-party vendors. The International Monetary Fund highlights the increasing financial losses from cyber attacks, stressing the need for continued vigilance.

Kyndryl has expanded its partnership with Nokia to enhance data center networking solutions, aiming to meet the growing demand for reliable, low-latency, and secure connectivity in enterprise environments. The collaboration will integrate Nokia's Event-Driven Automation technology with Kyndryl Bridge, enhancing network automation and security. This partnership is set to bolster Kyndryl's network portfolio with Nokia's multi-layer security solutions and IP routing products, supporting enterprise resilience against cyber threats and compliance with regulatory standards. The alliance underscores the importance of robust data center infrastructure in IT modernization and AI transformation.

Instagram, with over 2.4 billion users, is a prime target for hackers aiming to steal personal information or spread spam. Signs of a hacked account include login issues, unusual activity, changed account information, and unexpected login notifications. Users are advised to change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious with third-party apps to prevent hacks. Recovering a compromised account is generally straightforward with the right steps.

Sharp Europe is set to acquire Apsia, a French digital transformation and cloud integration company, to enhance its IT services across Europe. This acquisition aligns with Sharp's strategy to expand its IT services footprint, following previous acquisitions of UK-based Complete IT and Swiss ITpoint Systems. Apsia, which will continue to operate under its brand in France, is expected to bolster Sharp's technical expertise and service offerings. Key figures in this expansion include Yoichi Tomota, Olivier Massonnat, Colin Blumenthal, and Roland Singer, who are instrumental in driving Sharp's growth in the IT services sector.

Meta, in collaboration with Louisiana Economic Development, is set to build its largest data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, with a $10 billion investment. The AI-focused facility will span four million square feet and is expected to be completed by 2030. Meta aims to power the center with 100% renewable energy and restore more water than it consumes. The project is anticipated to create 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect roles, significantly boosting the local economy. Meta also plans to invest over $200 million in local infrastructure and education, positioning Louisiana as a hub for AI innovation.

UK organizations are reallocating funds to meet the requirements of the EU's NIS2 cybersecurity legislation, despite it not directly affecting them. A study by Veeam Software reveals that most companies are diverting budgets from areas like risk management and recruitment to comply. The UK stands out with increased IT budgets, allowing for more investment in cybersecurity processes and technology compared to EU counterparts. Experts emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to security to alleviate pressure from compliance demands.