Breakdown & ShowreelsSaint-Ex: VFX Breakdown by CGEV & BenutsBy Vincent Frei - 14/03/2025 Step into the stunning world of Saint-Ex, where CGEV and Benuts bring history to life with visual effects. From the vast, treacherous landscapes of the Andes to the high-stakes adventure of early aviation, their artistry elevates every moment of this gripping tale! Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a bio-inspired lattice structure (BLS) with 13 times the stiffness and 10% greater energy absorption than existing auxetic materials.Inspired by the deep-sea sponge Venus flower basket, the structure retains auxetic properties over a 60% greater strain range, applications in construction, protective gear, and medical implants.Unlike conventional materials that thin when stretched and expand when compressed, auxetic materials behave in the opposite way. This characteristic has previously been applied in fields such as medical stents, where controlled expansion is essential. However, existing auxetic materials typically suffer from low stiffness and limited energy absorption, restricting their broader use.However, traditional auxetic designs, such as re-entrant honeycomb structures, have historically suffered from low stiffness and limited energy absorption, restricting their practical use. According to Dr. Jiaming Ma, lead author of the study published in Composite Structures, the research addresses this limitation by developing a double-lattice structure that optimizes load distribution and deformation resistance.Professor Mike Xie and Dr. Jiaming Ma hold a 3D printed model of the teams double lattice design. Photo via RMIT University.Enhanced stiffness and energy absorptionTo test the structural performance, the researchers fabricated prototypes using 3D printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The material was chosen for its flexibility, allowing the team to study the auxetic behavior of the structure under compressive loads.Quasi-static compression tests confirmed that the bio-inspired lattice withstood higher peak stress before structural failure, while maintaining its auxetic behavior over a wider strain range than conventional designs.Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations further demonstrated that the dual-lattice arrangement enhances both stiffness and energy absorption. The 13-fold increase in stiffness and 10% improvement in energy absorption indicate that the structural design itself, rather than the material it is made from, is responsible for these enhancements.This study also examined how variations in lattice geometry influence performance, revealing that increasing the thickness of non-diagonal beams improves stiffness, while expanding the spacing between diagonal beams improves energy absorption.Co-author Dr. Ngoc San Ha highlighted the potential applications of this structural design in seismic-resistant construction, where its high stiffness and energy absorption could reduce the need for steel and concrete while maintaining structural integrity.In addition to construction, the lattice structure could be used for lightweight armor, bulletproof vests, and impact-resistant medical implants, where energy absorption is critical.While the initial prototypes were fabricated using TPU, the next phase of research will focus on scaling up production using steel-based versions. The team is also exploring machine learning algorithms to further optimize the structure for different applications, including programmable materials with tunable mechanical properties.According to the team, the findings suggest that with further refinements auxetic lattice structures could provide more efficient and adaptable solutions for construction, safety, and medical industries.The double lattice structure (left) outperforms the standard re-entrant honeycomb design (right). Photo via RMIT University.RMIT-led materials researchThis research aligns with RMITs broader efforts in materials science and 3D printing, advancing stronger, lighter, and more efficient structures across industries.Last year, the Australian university developed a 3D printed titanium metamaterial that is 50% stronger than the strongest magnesium alloy of similar density used in aerospace applications. Made from Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, the hollow-strut lattice (HLS) structure uses a multi-topology design to evenly distribute load stress, reducing weak points and enhancing mechanical strength.The structure was fabricated using powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing, overcoming previous challenges in manufacturability and stress concentration. Compression tests confirmed the materials improved durability, making it suitable for medical implants, aircraft, and rocket components. With biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and heat tolerance up to 350C, it holds promise for high-performance applications, with potential for even higher temperature adaptations.Elsewhere, RMIT researchers optimized 3D printed concrete structures by mimicking the helicoidal shell patterns of lobsters, improving durability and load distribution. By adjusting printing patterns using an extrusion-based concrete 3D printer, they achieved greater isotropy, reducing weak interfacial bonds common in traditional layer-stacked concrete.Further reinforcement with 6mm steel fibers (0.75%) enhanced structural integrity, minimized defects, and accelerated hardening, enabling taller and more complex structures. The team planned to expand its research into 3D printed housing, recycled materials, and sound-dampening walls, supported by an Australian Government Innovations Connections grant.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Professor Mike Xie and Dr. Jiaming Ma hold a 3D printed model of the teams double lattice design. Photo via RMIT University.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

House X | Luis AsnHouse X challenges conventional notions of contextual integration by asserting its presence in the rugged landscape of the Serrana de Cuenca. Rather than aiming for a delicate, reversible footprint, it embraces a paradoxical approach: its form is invasive, yet its material strategy is one of deep assimilation. Unlike contemporary projects prioritizing ephemeral sustainability, House X advocates for permanence as a more responsible architectural response.House X Technical InformationArchitects1-6: BojausLocation: Serrana de Cuenca, Valdemorillo, SpainGroos Area: 190 m2 | 2,045 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2022 2024Photographs: Luis AsnHouse X does not seek to disappear into the landscape but to become an inseparable part of itan architecture of permanence rather than ephemerality. Bojaus ArchitectsHouse X Photographs Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis Asn Luis AsnSpatial Organization and Architectural LanguageThe project draws from historical precedents, particularly the fortified structures of the Castilian plateau and the monolithic stone dwellings of Monsanto, Portugal. These references are not superficial but guide the houses articulation of mass, texture, and endurance. The designs engagement with the site extends beyond visual mimicry, opting for an aggressive yet symbiotic relationship with its surroundings.House X employs fragmentation as a spatial strategy, using its X-shaped plan to establish a series of dynamic interactions between solid and void, shelter and exposure. The four wings of the house extend outward from a central nexus, each oriented toward a specific natural feature. This layout ensures a multiplicity of perspectives, emphasizing the changing qualities of the landscape throughout the day.The projects sectional complexity reinforces its architectural intent. Heavy concrete walls form deep recesses that control light penetration, creating moments of contrast between the structures solid mass and the ephemeral qualities of natural illumination. Interior spaces are defined by their relationship to framed openings, emphasizing a dialogue between enclosure and outward extension.A clear influence can be traced to the Ugalde House by Jos Antonio Coderch, particularly in its approach to organizing space in relation to the site. Like Coderchs work, House X does not treat architecture as an isolated object but rather as a device that mediates between inhabitant and landscape. The way spaces unfoldvisually and experientiallyunderscores an architectural philosophy that prioritizes spatial richness over formal spectacle.House X Materiality and Construction ProcessMateriality is central to House Xs identity. Constructed entirely from on-site concrete with local aggregates, the house asserts a tectonic connection to its environment. The 50 cm thick walls, hand-formed in 60 cm high layers, incorporate insulation between the inner and outer concrete layers, ensuring structural robustness and thermal performance. This process results in a distinctive surface texture where large embedded stones remain visible, reinforcing the material dialogue between the house and its geological surroundings.The interior material palette maintains this focus on tactile contrast. Exposed concrete ceilings and walls are softened by the integration of oak flooring and walnut cabinetry, offering a counterpoint to the otherwise austere composition. The careful juxtaposition of raw and refined materials heightens the sensory experience of the space, encouraging an engagement with texture and temperature.The houses longevity is embedded in its construction methodology. In contrast to architectural trends that emphasize lightness and reversibility, House X makes a case for durability as a form of sustainability. By employing materials and techniques that promote extended lifespans, the project critiques the disposability inherent in much contemporary sustainable discourse. Rather than focusing on rapid assembly and eventual disassembly, it proposes an alternative paradigmone in which architecture is built to endure, evolving with its environment rather than yielding to it.Broader Architectural and Cultural ImplicationsHouse X raises critical questions about architectures role in shaping its context. Its refusal to dissolve into the landscape challenges the prevailing ethos of passive environmental integration, suggesting instead that architecture can exist in a state of productive tension with its surroundings. This approach disrupts the assumption that sustainability must be equated with impermanence, arguing instead for an architecture of lasting material and spatial integrity.The projects stance on sustainability is particularly noteworthy. It critiques the industrys tendency to prioritize symbolic gestures over substantive material strategies. In an era where sustainability is often reduced to technological solutions or superficial ecological aesthetics, House X proposes a different trajectory that values endurance, resource efficiency, and site-specific adaptation as the foundations of sustainable design.Furthermore, House X can be seen as a contemporary reinterpretation of Brutalism. Its unapologetic use of concrete, emphasis on mass and texture, and resistance to transience position it within a lineage of architecture that prioritizes raw materiality and structural honesty. However, unlike the monumental Brutalist projects of the 20th century, House X refines this language through a more nuanced understanding of context, craft, and environmental responsiveness.House X Plans Bojaus Arquitectura Bojaus Arquitectura Bojaus Arquitectura Bojaus Arquitectura Bojaus ArquitecturaHouse X Image GalleryAbout Bojaus ArquitecturaBojaus Arquitectura is a Madrid-based architecture studio founded in 2012 by Ignacio Senra and Elisa Sequeros. The firm is dedicated to designing high-quality, contextually responsive architecture that balances innovation with everyday functionality. With a strong focus on sustainability, material authenticity, and spatial clarity, Bojaus Arquitectura integrates research and practice to create enduring, site-sensitive projects that engage deeply with their surroundings.Credits and Additional NotesLead Architects: Ignacio Senra, Elisa SequerosDesign Team: Jorge Gabaldn, Javier LuqueEngineering: Bernabeu IngenierosBuilding Surveyor & Project Manager: Ignacio Buzzanca CasassGross Floor Area: 190 mPlot Size: 2000 m

Brought to you by:Architect:Metro Arquitetos AssociadosLocation:So Paulo Completion Date: 2025Expectations are always immense when adding to a famous work of architecture. This was certainly the case at the Museu de Arte de So Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP), where Metro Arquitetos Associados was tasked with complementing the institutions original building, designed by Lina Bo Bardi. To avoid competing for visual attention with the existing structure, Metro Arquitetos wrapped the new tower with a black aluminum screen, a choice that makes the extension practically vanish among the sea of towers along Avenida Paulista. The tower appears as a large black monolith to avoid drawing attention from the original building. (Leonardo Finotti)Named the Pietro Maria Bardi Building after the museums founder (and husband of Lina Bo Bardi), the 14-story tower adds exhibition space, classrooms, a conservation laboratory, restaurant, cafe, and a new public entrance to the institutiontotaling 84,000 square feet. To date, this is the largest single expansion of the museum since the construction of the original building in 1968. With an official public opening scheduled for spring 2025, construction of the tower coincides with the completion of a decade-long renovation of the original building, also led by Metro Arquitetos. In 2015 we started working on exhibitions at MASP, said Gustavo Cedroni, co-director of the firm. At that time, MASP was physically and institutionally different from what Lina dreamed. The main exhibition room was blocked by walls and the glass system she developed wasnt in use for decades The intention was to recover all of Linas original ideas, he added.Metro Arquitetos restored MASPs intended gallery design, making use of Lina Bo Bardis original exhibition system in which paintings are suspended between two glass plates supported by a concrete block. (Cleber Vallin/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)The architects reintroduced Bo Bardis glass easels to the main exhibition hall, while also making practical improvements to the buildings HVAC systems, lighting, and bathrooms. Following this work, the firm was invited to design a new building for the institution.For the Pietro Maria Bardi Building, Metro Arquitetos used the structure of a 1940s residential tower adjacent to MASP. The apartment building was selectively demolished and every other floor was removed to create double-height exhibition spaces while additional floors were added above to increase the buildings height. The dimensions of the new tower are exactly that of the original museum, establishing a dialogue between the two structures.The structure of a 1940s apartment building was reused to build the new tower. (Paulo Humberto/WikimediaCommons/CC BY-SA 3.0)Structural diagram (Courtesy Metro Arquitetos Associados)Thinking carefully about the new towers appearance in relation to Bo Bardis bright colored MASP building, Metro Arquitetos opted for discretion, choosing a black facade system of corrugated aluminum panels. Besides concealing the tower, this exterior skin also functions to control sunlight within the galleries, protecting the museums light-sensitive collections and lowering energy use. Though perforated, the panels are nearly opaque, save for select openings for windows placed along the stairwell and circulation spaces. Corrugated panels were selected to improve the strength of the cladding system, however, Cedroni also noted that the undulating texture might draw comparisons to Ladeira de Misericrdia in Salvador de Baha, a project designed by Lina Bo Bardi with a ferro-cement exterior cast in corrugated form work. The use of extensive shading for the Pietro Maria Bardi building is a strong departure from MASPs main building, which features large windows along its main exhibition hall.The towers facade is slightly perforated, but appears opaque from a distance. (Leonardo Finotti)The layout of the towers exhibition floors was drawn from vertical museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. On the interior Metro Arquitetes worked diligently to mimic the materiality and finishes of the original building.We used a lot of steel, concrete, large stones, terrazzo, and all of the galleries have black natural wood floors, said Cedroni. There was no material we simply bought from the market. Everything was designed for the buildingeven the pipes. Back then, [when the original museum was built], they designed everything and invented things. These days that is not so common.Raw materials such as concrete, steel, and wood characterize the interior of the building. (Leonardo Finotti)Although the interior primarily mimics the designs of Lina Bo Bardi, Metro Arquitetos borrowed one concept from another titan of Brazilian modernismPritzker prizewinner Paulo Mendes da Rocha. To connect a split-level gallery floor, a sculptural case concrete staircase was constructed, inspired by those designed by the late architect. Its funny, because we found Oscar Kusaka, the man that used to build Paulos concrete stairs, added Cedroni. This guywho is more than 80 years oldbuilds the wood forms alone, piece by piece. It was beautiful to be able to recover this kind of work that todays architects and engineers dont use anymore.The additions sculptural concrete staircase was drawn from the work of Paolo Mendes da Rocha, another famous Brazilian modernist. (Leonardo Finotti)Another major emphasis of the project was improving MASPs visitor circulation. The museums main entrance is now located on the ground floor of the Pietro Maria Bardi Building, where a double-height lobby encased in floor-to-ceiling glass is located. Previously, visitors queued in crowded lines on the plaza beneath the suspended museuma space that Lina Bo Bardi originally intended to remain open as a public plaza. Museumgoers will pass between the two buildings through a newly constructed subterranean tunnel, bypassing the plaza above. While Cedroni is pleased with the firms work, he eagerly awaits the official opening of the extension later this month.We are super excited because we havent yet seen the building actually working as a museum with lots of people in it, Cedroni said. This makes all the difference and changes everything, the feeling, the sense, and the meaning.Project SpecificationsArchitect: Metro Arquitetos AssociadosSteel and Concrete Structures: Cia. De ProjetosDemolition: SOFT Projetos EstruturaisFoundation: MG&A ConsultoresUnderground Passage: ContagAir Conditioning: TeknikaLighting: Fernanda Carvalho and Paula CarnelsFacade Installation: MHA EngenhariaFacade and Frame: QMD ConsultoriaFencing: Inovatec ConsultoresAcoustics: Harmonia GlobalWaterproofing: PetraFlooring: Mix DesignLandscaping: Ricardo ViannaAccessibility: Design Universal ConsultoriaPre-construction: Racional EngenhariaMuseum Air Conditioning: HypocaustumFire Prevention: FeurtecElevators and Loading Platform: Rumo VerticalConcrete Pathologies: PHDExposed Concrete Treatment: GR ConsultingFacade Maintenance: PB Anchoring SystemsRelocation of Buried Networks: IntegerLegalizations: EnproplanCQP Foundations: ConsultrixCQP Concrete MASP: Figueiredo Ferraz Consulting and Project EngineeringCQP Installations: MS ConsultingCQP Metallic Structure: Alpha ProjectCQP Concrete Structures: SOFT Structural ProjectsDynamic Load Analysis: StolovasRadiology Consultancy: Inovafi

The director of cityLAB and UCLA professor of architecture discusses her ambitions for the competition for new small-scale, community focused housing concepts in Los AngelesDana CuffWhy are you holding a competition focusing on small underused sites in LA?LA needs to find as many means as possible to create new housing, especially after the fires in January, when so many people lost so much. Small residential lots are the DNA of LA, after all, and there are tens of thousands of these scattered across the city, ready for new housing. The competition foregrounds architectural prototypes that work in this context, so they simultaneously unlock myriad other development opportunities, incrementally shifting the fabric of LA. Furthermore, this city has a storied history of small-scale, multifamily development making LA the perfect place to host a competition focused on residential lots.What is your ambition for how sites like these could be transformed into new community-focused housing?Wed like to see submissions that focus on community at two scales: at the scale of the buildings themselves and at the scale of the neighbourhood. Especially in the face of an increasingly volatile climate, building housing that fosters community connections will be paramount. Weve set five complementary design goals for the competition: staying power, liveability, performance and replicability, resilience, and adaptability. There is more information available in the brief, but projects that successfully engage with these design principles will capture the housing qualities that LA, and other cities, need right now.What sort of teams would you like to see step forward for this unique opportunity?The competition is intentionally organized to accommodate a wide range of designers, from students to emerging design firms and established architectural practices. It would be great to see a variety of approaches, like fire-resilient building or manufactured housing strategies. Each site offers its own set of design challenges that should pique the interest of different types of firms. Its also important to remember that while LAs housing issues are acute, they represent many of the same forces driving housing affordability and sustainability issues worldwide. We welcome all creative ideas into this competition.2025-03-14Merlin Fulcher Share

Tech Apple releases emergency security update for serious vulnerability Apple patches zero-day vulnerability in iPhones and iPads: What you need to know Published March 14, 2025 10:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': Is that iPhone app spying? What Apple's App Privacy Report can tell you Tech expert Kurt Knutsson urges you to use Apples App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to. If you own an iPhone or iPad, its time to stop what youre doing and update your device.A newly discovered security flaw, CVE-2025-24201, could leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers.The good news? Apple has released iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 to fix the issue. Let me explain what all this means for you and how you can stay protected.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW IOS 18.3.2 software update on iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What is CVE-2025-24201?This vulnerability resides in WebKit, the open-source browser engine that powers Safari, Mail, App Store and other apps on Apple devices. The flaw is an out-of-bounds write issue, which allows attackers to use maliciously crafted web content to bypass the Web Content sandbox, a key security layer that isolates web content from accessing sensitive system resources. Apple has acknowledged thatthis vulnerability may have been exploited in highly advanced attacks targeting specific individuals using older versions of iOS before 17.2. These attacks are believed to involve well-funded threat actors, such as state-sponsored hackers or advanced cybercriminal groups.Why does this matter?Zero-day vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24201 are particularly dangerous because they are exploited before developers can patch them. In this case, the attacks were highly targeted, meaning most users are unlikely to have been affected directly. However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.Who is affected?The vulnerability impacts a wide range of Apple devices, including:iPhone XS and lateriPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and late-r, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later and iPad mini 5th generation and later.If you own any of these devices, it's crucial to update your software immediately.What is Apple doing about it?Apple released emergency patches on March 11, 2025, as part of iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 updates. These updates introduce improved checks to prevent unauthorized actions caused by the vulnerability. This patch is a supplementary fix for an earlier attack mitigated in iOS 17.2.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Software update notice (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to update your software on iPhoneGo toSettingsTapGeneralClickSoftware UpdateDownload and install the latest updateYour iPhone willrestart once the update is complete Steps to update software on iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREHow to update your software on iPadGo to theSettings app on your iPadTap GeneralThen clickSoftware UpdateTapDownload and Install to begin the update processEnter your passcode if prompted andagree to the terms and conditionsThe update willdownload and installYour iPad willrestart once the update is completeAdditional security measures to protect your iPhone and iPad1. Enable two-factor authentication: Turn ontwo-factor authentication for your Apple ID to add an extra layer of security to your account.2. Have strong antivirus software:The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.3. Use a strong passcode: Set up astrong alphanumeric passcode instead of a simple four-digit PIN. Avoid using easily guessable information like birth dates.4. Enable face ID or touch ID: Utilizebiometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access to your device.5. Manage app permissions: Regularlyreview and adjust app permissions to ensure they only access necessary data.6. Secure lock screen notifications: Disable or limit sensitive information displayed in lock screen notifications.7. Use Apple's App Privacy Report:Apples App Privacy Report is a powerful tool that allows iPhone users to monitor how apps access their data and interact with third-party services. This feature provides valuable insights into app behavior, helping you make informed decisions about your privacy.8. Download apps from official sources: Only install apps from the Apple App Store to avoid potential malware.9. Keep your Apple ID secure: Never share your Apple ID or password with others, even family members.10. Enable Find My iPhone: EnsureFind My iPhone is activated to help locate your device if it's lost or stolen.11. Invest in a password manager: To go beyond iClouds keychain for increased security, youll want to invest in a password manager. These are created specifically for the protection of passwords and include features for important documents and photos. This is also beneficial when sharing private data with family members. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.Kurts key takeawaysWhile it might be tempting to put off updates, you dont want to delay this one. CVE-2025-24201 is a serious threat that's already been used in the wild. Sure, you might not be a high-profile target, but why take chances with your personal data? Updating your device is like giving it a digital suit of armor, and it only takes a few minutes. So, hit that update button and give yourself some peace of mind.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think Apple is doing enough to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, or are there additional steps the company should take to protect its users?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Alert:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Over 80% of global companies are now using AI to improve business operations. AI has also become a feature of individuals daily lives as we interact with chatbots, voice assistants, or predictive search technologies. But as AI diffusion grows, so too do the risks associated with its misuse particularly by nation state actors engaged in espionage, cyber attacks, and supply chain compromise.Recent developments like Februarys AI Action Summit, president Trumps Executive Order and the UK governments AI Opportunities Action Plan reveal two key themes. First, national interest is at the heart of government AI strategies, and second, AI has become an explicit focus of many national defence strategies. It is therefore no surprise that the emergence of powerful models such as DeepSeeks R1 has renewed concerns about industrial espionage.However, focusing on particular models, vendors, or states misses a broader point: AI is already being weaponised to support cyber attack tactics, including reconnaissance and resource development to target industries and their secrets. For chief information security officers (CISOs) and security leaders, the question raised is how AI changes the threat landscape and how to respond accordingly. For startups and technology-driven industries, this is even more pressing, as nation-states have already been shown to target those at the cutting-edge of technology. Adjustments to the roles of people, processes and technology in cyber security are therefore required to respond strategically to AI threats.Nation-state actors have been increasingly integrating GenAI into cyber attacks to enhance efficiency, automation, and precision. More than 57 advanced persistent threat (APT) groups linked to nation states have been observed using AI in cyber operations. AI can automate research, translate content, assist with coding, and develop malware to advance cyber operations.One of the most concerning challenges is the use of AI in crafting highly convincing phishing messages, increasing both the pace and scale of cyber-attacks. Large language models (LLMs) can generate highly plausible messages, targeted to individuals and organisations. Criminals are deploying believable, personalised AI-generated deepfake videos, audio, and images to enhance social engineering campaigns. The case of Arup, the design and engineering firm, which lost $25 million as a result of a deepfake CFO, shows how convincing AI-enabled operations can gain meaningful access to companies.Beyond direct cyberattacks, threat actors are also targeting AI supply chains from hardware to software. The infamous SolarWinds Sunburst attack demonstrated how sophisticated nation state actors can infiltrate enterprise networks by targeting supply chains. The risk extends to AI software as well. By embedding vulnerabilities at the manufacturing or development stage, adversaries can target a broad range of adversaries, profiting from economies of scale.Supply chain vulnerabilities are a key trend dominating cyber security. The Bureau of Industry and Securitys recent prohibition on the import and sale of hardware or software for connected vehicles from certain nations highlights the US's growing concern. Malicious actors have targeted Python packages for LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude to deliver malware that can harvest browser data, screenshots and session tokens. Those procuring AI systems and their components need to consider both where the AI has come from and how users will interact with it.To defend against AI-augmented nation-state threats, security leaders must adopt a range of strategies including AI governance frameworks, targeted training, robust data protection measures, third-party risk management processes, and proactive threat intelligence.AI frameworks aligning with best practice for governance such as NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001 and MITRE, OWASP and NCSC for security provide the basis to a structured defence. By establishing clear roles and accountabilities for AI, policies defining acceptable and unacceptable use, and robust approaches to monitoring and auditing, the framework can implement defences against exposing sensitive information.The role of people and culture needs to change in response to AI risks. Training, starting with AI literacy to cover foundational AI awareness and its impact on security, can empower staff to spot, challenge, and mitigate AI cyber threats. An inventory of AI systems is a foundational part of AI governance. CISOs need to know where and how AI is being used across the enterprise, and technology companies need to know what and where their critical assets are.Data access controls can limit adversaries ability to exfiltrate proprietary secrets. Data segmentation to restrict AI models from processing sensitive data, privacy-enhancing technologies like encryption, and monitoring systems for unauthorised loss of corporate data make it harder for nation-states to extract valuable intelligence. Applying data protection principles like minimisation, purpose limitation, and storage limitation can further both security and responsible AI objectives.Read more about DeepSeekUS politicians have introduced a bill seeking to ban the use of the DeepSeek AI tool on government-owned devices, citing national security concerns due to its alleged links to the Chinese state.Researchers at Palo Alto have shown how novel jailbreaking techniques were able to fool breakout GenAI model DeepSeek into helping to create keylogging tools, steal data, and make a Molotov cocktail.DeepSeek has found popularity with its reasoning model. However, based on geopolitical tensions and safety tests, there are questions about whether enterprises should use it.Meanwhile, supply chain risk management prevents infiltration of compromised AI tools. Important steps include conducting security assessments for third-party AI vendors, ensuring that AI models do not rely on foreign-hosted APIs that could introduce vulnerabilities, and documenting software bills of materials (SBOMs) to track dependencies and detect risks.Finally, AI itself can be a tool to defend against AI-powered threats. AI-driven anomaly detection can identify suspicious behaviour or data loss patterns, deploying adversarial AI to test enterprise AI systems for vulnerabilities, increase monitoring for AI-generated phishing, and assess the effectiveness of controls. As AI-enabled cyber attacks accelerate beyond human response capabilities, automated monitoring and defensive systems are necessary to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities at machine speed.Clearly, the rise of AI-powered nation state threats demands a proactive and strategic response from security leaders. By adopting AI governance frameworks, enforcing strict data governance, securing supply chains, and leveraging AI-driven threat detection, enterprises can strengthen their defences against industrial espionage.Elisabeth Mackay is a cyber security expert at PA Consulting

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Former Congressman Dave Weldon speaks in The Villages, Fla., on May 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Brendan ... [+] Farrington, File)Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Dave Weldon was President Trumps pick to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But just 12 hours before his Senate confirmation hearing, he was told that the nomination was being pulled. There was bipartisan opposition to his candidacy based on his vaccine-skeptic views. And so, the White House believed Weldon didnt have sufficient votes to be confirmed.Weldons position on vaccines aligns more or less with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, who appears to be readying the CDC for changes in vaccine policies. Long considered a vaccine-skeptic, Weldon is a practicing medical doctor and a former Congressman. He has repeatedly raised questions about the safety of measles, mumps, rubella and human papillomavirus vaccines. Its this ongoing controversy that appears to have nixed Weldons hopes to be nominated the next head of the CDC, but somehow did not undo Kennedys confirmation.The CDC does a lot more than just vaccine policies. But its issuance of recommended scheduling of immunizations is perhaps more visible to the public than its other work. Specifically, the CDC is responsible for providing recommendations to the public about when and how to use vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This includes issuing the United States adult and childhood immunization schedules that provide guidance on the age(s) when vaccines should be given, the number of doses recommended, timing of doses and other information.Together with the secretary of HHS, the CDC director has considerable influence with respect to vaccine policies. The director makes decisions regarding whether a vaccine should be recommended to the public. Advice disseminated by the agency is not binding on states and local jurisdictions which establish vaccination requirements for school children and in some cases healthcare workers and patients or residents of healthcare facilities. But negative guidance from the CDC may affect insurance coverage because insurers are only obligated to cover vaccines that have been recommended by the agency.Weldon has said hes just interested in vaccine safety. On the face of it, some of his statements do seem strictly aimed at addressing perceived safety issues while not necessarily undermining vaccines. Introducing the Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Act in 2007 as a representative in Congress, he stated: Im a physician. I understand the importance of immunizations in protecting children and the public at large from infectious disease. As a society we benefit from vaccines and as such it is important that we guard carefully vaccine safety research to ensure its objectivity. And in a public statement on the withdrawn nomination, Weldon writes that he gives hundreds of vaccines every year in my medical practice.The bill which Weldon sponsored in 2007 sought to undo what he saw as a conflict of interest entailed by CDC being both a promoter of vaccines and an evaluator of their safety. In Weldons view at the time, vaccine safety research ought to be under the auspices of an independent division or agency within the Department of HHS.He also introduced a piece of legislation that same year which would have limited who can receive vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative used to prevent germ contamination. Theoretically, thimerosals ethyl-mercury base could lead to mercury poisoning in high doses. However, the additive hasnt been used in vaccines since 1999.But what may have tipped the scales against Weldons potential confirmation is his continued staunch defense of the (former) gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield. Weldon has stirred controversy repeatedly by insinuating a link between the MMR shot and autism, citing Wakefields debunked theories. As such, Weldons views have been a cause for concern in the public health community.The overwhelmingly positive effectiveness of vaccines is not in doubt in mainstream medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 plus years.Despite an abundance of evidence to the contrary, Weldon holds fast to the belief that vaccines cause autism. In his three-and-a-half page public statement on the withdrawal of his nomination he devotes more than a page to defending Wakefield and colleagues.Even though Weldon claims to be merely interested in determining and communicating vaccine safety risks, amplifying the very small risks at the expense of the known benefits would come at a time of a widening measles outbreak that began in Texas. Emphasizing the need to further examine vaccine safety could raise doubts in the minds of parents considering vaccinating their children, leading to more vaccine hesitancy.Curiously, Weldon (and other vaccine skeptics) also pins the blame on Big Pharma, using the term in a negative light seven times in his written statement yesterday. Yet historically vaccines have represented a mere 2% of overall drug industry revenues, with only a handful of large pharmaceutical firms dominating the market. Vaccine development and manufacturing have relatively high costs of market entry and generally yield lower profits compared to other pharmaceuticals.Whether the withdrawal of Weldons nomination is a win for vaccines depends on who Trump nominates next and how much influence Kennedy exerts as the CDC directors boss.