The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has taken measures to boost its cybersecurity following a reported hacking incident by China on sensitive government data. The AFP is working closely with ally partners and has put its cyber and intelligence command on high alert to prevent threats to national security, according to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/news/national/afp-beefs-up-cybersecurity-measures/2033396The UK government is considering banning Chinese-made internet routers due to concerns over national security. This move comes as part of efforts to curb extremism in the country. The decision follows a warning from the Labour party that if action is not taken, the UK may face new terrorist threats. The issue has been highlighted by recent events such as the New Orleans attack, which was described as a lone wolf threat. In other news, US President Biden blocked a Japanese takeover of US Steel on national security grounds.
https://www.businesstelegraph.co.uk/u-s-is-considering-a-ban-on-an-internet-router-that-is-probably-already-in-your-home/The UK is using artificial intelligence to track potential threats in the Baltic Sea, where attacks on undersea cables have increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), led by the UK, is monitoring 22 areas of the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat and Baltic Sea for vessels suspected of being used by Russia. AI will analyze data from multiple sources, including Automatic Identification Systems used by ships to broadcast their positions. The JEF has sanctioned 93 oil tankers in an effort to thwart a Russian shadow fleet, and is working with ten nations, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden, to enhance European security.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14256779/British-led-forces-AI-Russian-sabotage-Baltic-undersea-cable-attacks.htmlThe US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is seeking public input by March 4 on a proposed rule aimed at addressing security risks associated with China and Russia in the information and communication technology and services (ICTS) sector, which are integral to the supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. The US government is concerned about the potential risks of relying on Chinese and Russian ICTS due to their sensitive nature and the potential for them to be used as a tool in modern warfare, where they can inflict significant damage despite being relatively inexpensive.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/u-s-and-china-decoupling-trade/The US Commerce Department is seeking public feedback on new rules to regulate the sale of drones that could potentially compromise national security. The department is concerned about the involvement of China and Russia in designing, making or supplying technology critical to drones, citing their ability to exploit private entities for national interests through cyber espionage. The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump's administration prepares to take office, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stating that securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is crucial to safeguarding US national security. The department has identified Chinese drone maker DJI and Russia as dominant players in the global commercial drone market, which could be subject to restrictions or bans under the new rules.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-mulls-new-restrictions-on-chinese-drones/article69056281.eceThe US Department of Defense has expressed concerns about the potential security risks associated with commercial drones in the country's airspace. The department warned that involvement by rival nations could allow them to remotely control and manipulate these devices, potentially compromising sensitive information.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-considers-imposing-new-restrictions-on-chinese-drones-204309The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is considering a rule to restrict or ban drones with Chinese technology in their supply chain, citing "acute threats" from China and Russia that could allow adversaries to remotely access and manipulate the devices. The move comes after Beijing announced export bans on 28 American companies, including Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to safeguard national security and interests. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has emphasized the importance of securing the drone technology supply chain to protect sensitive US data.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3293214/us-considers-rule-could-restrict-or-ban-drones-chinese-tech?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe US government has expressed growing concerns about foreign adversaries, particularly China, exploiting Americans' personal information for strategic gain. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the US and the Chinese Communist Party have highlighted the risks of data exploitation, including cyberattacks, data collection, and surveillance. The 2024 National Counterintelligence Strategy emphasizes protecting Americans against foreign intelligence targeting and collection, citing China's focus on data as a strategic resource. Specifically, Chinese companies operating in the US have been accused of collecting sensitive health data, including genomic information, which could be used to advance AI goals or transferred back to China.
https://natlawreview.com/article/doj-final-rule-addressing-foreign-adversary-threats-americans-sensitive-personalThe US Treasury Department has accused Iran and Russia of spreading disinformation in an attempt to manipulate voters and undermine trust in U.S. elections. The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, a Russian group, is said to have overseen the creation and dissemination of fake news stories, including deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence, about American candidates. The group's director, who worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents, has been targeted by new sanctions.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-trump-disinformation-election-959d3f36ffc81f3e5d07386122076e7e