Software Industry News – Q3 2024
As we enter the back end of the year, the software world brings intriguing developments, from AI advancements to cybersecurity challenges. Explore stories like running AI models without matrix multiplication, a hefty fine for a software provider due to a ransomware attack on NHS services, a global IT outage from a software update flaw, and a high-profile phone number cloning scam. Let’s explore these impactful narratives that are shaping our world.
Software engineers develop a way to run AI language models without matrix multiplication
A collaborative team of software engineers hailing from the University of California, alongside a peer from Soochow University and another from LuxiTec, have successfully devised a ground-breaking method to operate AI language models without the reliance on matrix multiplication. Their innovative approach has been detailed in a paper published on the arXiv preprint server, highlighting the impressive results achieved during extensive testing. With the increasing potency of LLMs like ChatGPT, the demand for computing resources has also surged. Traditionally, running LLMs entails the utilization of matrix multiplication (MatMul), a process where data is amalgamated with weights in neural networks to deliver optimal responses to inquiries.
Article URL: TechXplore
Software provider facing £6m fine over ransomware attack that hit NHS services
The UK’s data protection watchdog has taken a decisive step in imposing a fine of just over £6 million on a software provider following a ransomware attack in 2022 that disrupted NHS and social care services. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has indicated that Advanced Computer Software Group neglected to implement necessary measures to safeguard the personal information of 82,946 individuals affected by the attack, some of which included sensitive data. This provider offers IT and software services to various organizations across the country, including the NHS and other healthcare providers, handling data in its capacity as a data processor.
Article URL: Sky News
Windows global IT outage: what we know so far
George Kurtz, the CEO of CrowdStrike, has confirmed that the issue stemmed from a “defect in a single content update for Windows hosts”, essentially a flaw in a software update rolled out to Windows PC users. CrowdStrike, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions offering antivirus and cyber-attack prevention tools to businesses, faced a challenging situation as the update led to numerous Windows PCs crashing and displaying the dreaded “blue screen of death”, rendering them unusable. This unexpected turn of events resulted in widespread disruptions to IT infrastructure at businesses and institutions worldwide, causing many companies to go offline and impacting their services.
Article URL: The Guardian
The fraud scammers putting people out of pocket by cloning phone numbers
Tejay Fletcher, the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme of iSpoof, faced a harsh sentence of 13 years in prison. iSpoof, a deceptive platform, enabled users to replicate phone numbers of reputable institutions like banks, aiming to deceive individuals and extort money from them. One such victim was Carina, a dedicated lawyer who fell prey to the scam, losing over £7,000 as she unknowingly transferred funds to fraudsters posing as her financial institution. bank.
Article URL: ITV News
Conclusion
In conclusion, this month’s cruise news has brought us a mix of inspiring stories and concerning developments in the tech world. From NCL’s commitment to social responsibility to the innovative fuel efficiency tool by MSC, the cruise industry continues to evolve. However, challenges like ransomware attacks on software providers and global IT outages remind us of the importance of cybersecurity. As we navigate through these advancements and setbacks, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged with the latest updates. Keep exploring the intersection of technology and industry to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions.