Researchers at Bitdefender have reported discovering vulnerabilities in Google Workspace and Google Cloud Platform which, after first compromising the local machine, could allow threat actors to extend their activities to a “chain reaction” network-wide breach, potentially leading to ransomware attacks or data exfiltration.

The researchers say that, for example, starting from a single compromised machine, threat actors could: “move to other cloned machines with GCPW installed, gain access to the cloud platform with custom permissions, or decrypt locally stored passwords to continue their attack beyond the Google ecosystem.”

Bitdefender says it “responsibly disclosed” its findings to Google but says Google has confirmed “no plans” to address the findings, because it is outside of their specific threat model.

The advice to businesses is to strengthen detection and response capabilities (e.g. by investing in threat detection solutions, to identify and respond to unusual or unauthorised access attempts swiftly) and to have an incident response plan to address local device compromises.

Researchers at Bitdefender have reported discovering vulnerabilities in Google Workspace and Google Cloud Platform which, after first compromising the local machine, could allow threat actors to extend their activities to a “chain reaction” network-wide breach, potentially leading to ransomware attacks or data exfiltration.

The researchers say that, for example, starting from a single compromised machine, threat actors could: “move to other cloned machines with GCPW installed, gain access to the cloud platform with custom permissions, or decrypt locally stored passwords to continue their attack beyond the Google ecosystem.”

Bitdefender says it “responsibly disclosed” its findings to Google but says Google has confirmed “no plans” to address the findings, because it is outside of their specific threat model.

The advice to businesses is to strengthen detection and response capabilities (e.g. by investing in threat detection solutions, to identify and respond to unusual or unauthorised access attempts swiftly) and to have an incident response plan to address local device compromises.

Swedish startup Minesto has developed a subsea ‘kite’ style mini power plant that generates renewable energy from tidal streams and ocean currents.

How It Works 

The ‘wing’ technology, described by Minesto as a kind of “subsea kite” and a “powerful, lightweight, and modular power plant” which can be made with a wingspan ranging from 4.9 – 12m and weighing from 2.7 – 28 tonnes. Anchored to the seabed by a long cable tether, it sits in the sea and ‘flies’ across the main flow direction of the tidal streams and currents just like a kite flies in the air.

The wing technology uses the hydrodynamic lift force created by the underwater currents to move the kite around and its onboard control system autonomously steers the kite (using rudders and elevators) in a predetermined figure-of-eight trajectory. This has the effect of pulling kite and its turbine through the water at a flow that’s several times higher than the actual stream speed. This maximises the power it can generate and reduces the size of the kite and rotor required to collect the energy compared with a fixed turbine.

The turbine shaft inside the kite turns the generator which outputs the electricity to the grid via a power cable in the tether and a seabed umbilical to the shore.

Harnessing A Reliable And Inexhaustible Resource 

As highlighted by Minesto on its website, a balanced renewable energy mix is needed for the world to move towards a sustainable future energy system. Tidal streams and ocean currents are reliable and inexhaustible, available all over the globe, and are a rich source of energy that can be converted to a reliable and local source of renewable energy. This is why an easy to deploy and effective technology that can harness and use this endless resource (such as a simple kite system technology) could be a low cost and effective way to produce renewable (green) energy anywhere around the world (the ocean covers 71 per cent of the earth’s surface).

Predictable 

Also, unlike wind and solar, tidal streams and ocean currents are predictable, i.e. they’re caused by the gravitational forces exerted on the earth by the moon and are continuous and directional. This reduces risk and makes it easier in terms of control for the deployment of tidal power technology, such as Minesto’s wing/kite design.

Scalable 

The fact that the kites are a modular design which can be easily latched and unlatched (via the tether) to the seabed anywhere means that the system is easily scalable, simply by using hundreds of them across an area.

Real World Applications 

So far, Minesto reports that its wing subsea power generators have been delivering electricity to the Faroe Islands’ power grid since 2020 and, in 2022, Minesto commissioned the first power plant in Vetmannasund, Faroe Islands.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

As Minesto rightly says, the world’s very necessary shift away from fossil fuels for power will involve developing and scaling a mix of innovative renewable energy solutions that make the most of existing natural resources such as wind, water, and sun. Also, with the UK being an island nation subject to tidal activity, in world where more roughly 71 per cent of the surface of the planet is covered by ocean, with its strong, constant, predictable tides, it does seem to be an area with the ability to supply vast amount of naturally generated energy if the right technology is deployed.

The advantages of the wing idea are that it can be easily and relatively cheaply deployed around the world, is scalable simply by multiplying the number used, can be placed far enough below the surface so as not to become a hazard or eyesore, and the technology is ready to go now. That said, these are relatively small turbines and even with many of them, there’ll still be a need for a mix of other ideas and solutions to harness the power of the waves.

These ideas will need to be part of wider mix of sustainable and renewable energy generating schemes that between them can offer enough power to seriously cut carbon emissions. Furthermore, they’ll need to supply the considerable energy needs of homes and businesses, provide power that’s affordable, have a low environmental impact, and thereby help the world to meet its climate targets as quickly as possible while still supporting the growth of the world’s economies.

As Minesto says, its wing solution ads a “step of energy conversion” that “expands the global tidal and ocean currents’ extractable potential.” 

If you need to search Google for a specific video, or for the best version of that video, Google Search lets you filter video results by duration, time, quality, source, and more. Here’s how it works:

– Type the words into Google Search that you’re looking for a video about.

– When the results are displayed, click on ‘Images’ (below the Google Search box).

– Click on the ‘Tools’ link (just to the right).

– Use the small dropdown menus to filter down and find the exact video you need.

One year on from its general introduction, OpenAI has announced some major upgrades to ChatGPT for its Plus and Enterprise subscribers.

New Updates Announced At DevDay 

At OpenAI’s first ‘DevDay’ developer conference on November 6, the company announced more major upgrades to its popular ChatGPT chatbot premium service. The upgrades come as competition between the AI giants in the new and rapidly evolving generative AI market is increasing, following a year that has seen the introduction of Bing Chat and Copilot (Microsoft), Google’s Bard and Duet AI, Claude (Anthropic AI), X’s Grok, and more. Although this year, ChatGPT has already been updated since its general basic release with a subscription service and its more powerful GPT-4 model, plug-ins to connect it with other web services, and integration with OpenAI’s Dall-E 3 image generator (for Plus and Enterprise) and image upload to help with queries, OpenAI will be hoping that the new upgrades will retain the loyalty of its considerable user base and retain its place as the generative AI front-runner.

GPT’s 

The first of four main new upgrades is ‘GPTs,’ which gives anyone (who is a ChatGPT Plus subscriber) the option to create their own tailored version of ChatGPT, e.g. to help them in their daily life, or to help with specific tasks at work, or at home. For example (as suggested by TechCrunch), a tech business could create and train its own GPT on its own proprietary codebases thereby enabling developers to check their style or generate code in line with best practices.

Users can create their own GPT with this ‘no coding required’ feature by clicking on the ‘Create a GPT’ option and using a GPT Builder. This involves using a conversation with the chatbot to give it instructions and extra knowledge, to pick what the GPT can do (e.g. searching the web, making images, or analysing data). OpenAI says the ability for customers to build their own custom GPT chatbot builds upon the ‘Custom Instructions’ it launched in July that let users set some preferences.

OpenAI has also addressed many privacy concerns about the feature by saying that any user chats with GPTs won’t be shared with builders and, if a GPT uses third party APIs, users can choose whether data can be sent to that API.

Share Your Custom GPTs Publicly Via ‘GTP Store’ 

The next new upgrade announced is the fact that users can publicly share the GPTs they create via a soon-to-be-launched (later this month), searchable ‘GPT Store’ – the equivalent of an app store, like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. OpenAI says the GPT Store will feature creations by verified builders and once in the store, GPTs become searchable and may “climb the leaderboards.” OpenAI also says it will spotlight the best GPTs in categories like productivity, education, and “just for fun,” and “in the coming months” GTP creators will be able to earn money based on how many people are using their GPT.

Turbo GPT-4 

In another announcement, OpenAI says it’s launching a preview of the next generation of its GTP-4 model (first launched in March) named GPT-4 Turbo.  As the name suggest, the Turbo version will be improved and more powerful. Features include:

– More up-to-date knowledge, i.e. knowledge of world events up to April 2023.

– A 128k context window to fit the equivalent of more than 300 pages of text in a single prompt.

– Optimised performance, which OpenAI says enables GPT-4 Turbo to be offered at a 3x cheaper price for input tokens and a 2x cheaper price for output tokens compared to GPT-4.

– ChatGPT Plus will also be easier to use, i.e. no need to switch between different models because DALL-E, browsing, and data analysis can all be accessed without switching.

Copyright Shield 

The last of the major update announcements for pro users is the introduction of ‘Copyright Shield’ to protect enterprise and API users (not free or Plus users) from legal claims around copyright infringement. This appears to be an answer to Microsoft’s September and Google’s October announcement that they will assume responsibility for potential legal risks to customers from copyright infringement claims arising from the use of their AI products.

Google, for example, announced it will offer limited indemnity and assume responsibility for the potential legal risks where customers receive copyright challenges through using generative AI products like Duet AI. Although it’s not yet clear how Copyright Shield will operate, OpenAI states in a recent blog: “we will now step in and defend our customers.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

OpenAI’s work with the other big tech companies and its general launch of ChatGPT a year ago have established it as the major player in the new and rapidly growing generative AI market. Building on the introduction of GPT-4 and rapid monetisation of its services through its business focused Plus and Enterprise subscriptions, these latest updates see OpenAI making the shift from AI model to developer to platform, i.e. with GTPs and the GTP Store.

What’s exciting and useful about GPTs is that they don’t require any coding skills, thereby democratising generative AI app creation and providing an easy way for businesses to create tools that can help them to save time and money, boost their productivity, improve their service, and much more. The addition of the GPT Store idea allows OpenAI to establish itself as a major go-to platform for AI apps, thereby competing with the likes of Google and Apple in a way. The Store could also provide a great opportunity for developers to monetise their GPTs as well as perhaps being a threat to consultancies and developers already creating custom AI services on behalf of paying clients.

The more powerful Turbo GTP-4 and its more up to date outputs, plus the lack of requirement to switch between different models are also likely to be features valued by businesses wanting easier, faster, and more productive ways to use ChatGPT. Furthermore, the Copyright Shield idea is likely to improve user confidence while enabling OpenAI to compete with Google and Microsoft, which have already announced their versions of it.

All in all, in the new and fast-moving generative AI market, these new upgrades see OpenAI ratcheting things up a notch, adding value, making serious competitive and customer retention efforts, showing its ambitions to move to platform status and greater monetisation, and further establishing itself as a major force in generative AI. For business users, these changes provide more opportunities to easily introduce customised and value-adding AI to any aspect of their business.

Plans have been submitted for a new £1 billion development in Cheltenham that will include one of Europe’s largest tech campuses and will house the National Cyber Innovation Centre.

Cheltenham’s Golden Valley Development 

Planning has been submitted for what will be called ‘Cheltenham’s Golden Valley Development,’ which is reported to be at the heart of the Government’s National Cyber Strategy. As well as being the UK’s newest Innovation District (a 47ha site), it will be one of Europe’s largest purpose-built tech campus’ and is predicted to play a crucial role in achieving the UK’s ambition to be a Science and Tech Superpower by 2030.

What Will It Include? 

The expansive project, which will be delivered by Developer HBD x Factory Ltd alongside Cheltenham Borough Council and key local partners, will include:

– 1 million sq. ft of new commercial space.

– 1,000 low carbon homes.

– A network of green open spaces with community amenities and a new primary school.

– A new National Cyber Innovation Centre, the proposals for which will be detailed and submitted separately in the new year following last month’s £95m funding agreement for the delivery of the “landmark” new building.

Already A Technolgy Cluster – Will Become Even More Attractive 

Already home to one of the UK’s most significant Technology Clusters, with the largest concentration of cyber companies outside of London, and a diverse selection of businesses specialising in AI, Deep Tech and Future Computing/Quantum, Cheltenham is expected to become even more attractive as a UK tech centre if the development is approved.

A Playground For Innovators 

Developers ‘HBD x Factory Ltd.’ report that Golden Valley will also become a playground for innovators looking to test new, innovative Smart City concepts.

Councillor Mike Collins, cabinet member for cyber, regeneration and commercial income at Cheltenham Borough Council said of the proposed project: “This is a huge step in the delivery of Golden Valley and I am delighted that we have reached a stage that a planning application has been submitted. Here in Cheltenham, we will be host to an internationally significant cyber and technology focussed campus which, subject to planning permission, will provide the catalyst for delivering economic growth for the town and regeneration of local communities.’’ 

GCHQ Too 

Golden Valley will be situated adjacent to the iconic GCHQ building known affectionately as ‘The Doughnut’ and GCHQ’s Paul Killworth, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security, said of the plans “GCHQ supports Cheltenham Borough Council’s vision of Golden Valley as a thriving, high-tech cluster of cyber and technology firms working across the new campus.”  Also, Mr Killworth highlighted how Golden Valley “will lead to a sea-change in national-security relations between government, academia and industry” and how the new National Cyber Innovation Centre and the development of it will become “a key part of the transformation of the intelligence community’s Science & Technology effort.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Cheltenham’s Golden Valley Development plan sounds as though it could be much more than just a blueprint for infrastructure and could become a beacon of growth and opportunity for businesses across the UK. With a significant £1 billion investment earmarked for what will be (if approved) one of Europe’s largest tech campuses, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, and a new commercial spaces, this project is poised to elevate Cheltenham and the surrounding area (which is already a centre for technology) to become an even more formidable force in the global tech arena.

For local businesses, for example, the influx of technology companies provides an opportunity for collaboration and service expansion. The development also promises to create a vibrant community with 1,000 low carbon homes, green spaces, and educational facilities that will attract and retain a talented workforce. For example, the fact that Cheltenham and Golden valley are well connected by train and road with fast direct connectivity to Bristol, Birmingham, London, and other key parts of the country, and are within 90 minutes of 20 universities, could mean it’s perfectly placed to attract a wealth of talent, expanding this high-value, high-growth industry.

These elements combined could stimulate the local housing market, increase demand for local services, and generate a variety of job opportunities in construction, retail, and education sectors. Educational institutions in the area may also find new vigour from the development, and could link up to create partnerships, and research ventures.

For the UK’s position in the tech world, Golden Valley is one of several strategic moves to fuel the nation’s ambition to become a Science and Tech Superpower by 2030. The development will not just be a hub for cyber companies, but may also become a centre for innovation, where smart city concepts and advanced technology can be fostered.

In essence, therefore, the Golden Valley Development could be an investment in the UK’s economic and technological future, creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive, innovate, and connect, thereby setting a new precedent for what a modern tech economy can look like. The development could be an invitation to be part of a future where national security, technological advancement, and economic prosperity go hand in hand and the ripples of this development may be felt not just in Cheltenham or the UK, but across the global stage. If the planning and development go ahead (and as the UK cements its role as a leading destination for cyber expertise), every business connected to the Golden Valley Development may stand to benefit in some way. Fingers crossed!