GitLab Threat Intelligence has warned over 3.2 million Chrome users to delete 16 malicious browser extensions that compromise security and expose data to attackers.

The extensions, including ad blockers, screen capture tools, and emoji keyboards, were found injecting harmful code into browsers. GitLab says attackers hijacked these extensions through phishing or by acquiring them from developers, using them to bypass security protections and manipulate content.

Once installed, the extensions connect to a remote server, receive hidden commands, and strip security measures from websites. Although Google has removed them from the Chrome Web Store, the warning to users is to manually uninstall them to stay protected.

Compromised extensions include Blipshot, WAToolkit, Super Dark Mode, and Adblock for Chrome. Experts warn that high download counts and positive reviews do not guarantee safety, as attackers often hijack trusted extensions.

Businesses should restrict unverified extensions, review permissions regularly, and use endpoint security to prevent such threats. Monitoring browser activity can also help detect potential risks early.

Danish startup PhaseTree says its combined use of multi-scale modelling techniques means it can create new materials for clean energy technologies in just 2 years (instead of the usual 20), i.e., a speed 10 times faster than traditional methods.

Who is PhaseTree and What Do They Do?

Copenhagen-based startup, PhaseTree, was founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Their mission is to reinvent the material discovery process, using a unique combination of computer simulations, lab automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to drastically shorten the time it takes to find and develop new materials.

Slow, Up Until Now

At the moment, creating new materials for clean energy technologies is an incredibly slow and expensive process. For example, the industry norm can take up to 20 years due to time-consuming lab testing and trial-and-error experiments. However, PhaseTree’s solution (based on advanced multi-scale modelling techniques) reduces this to just two years, thereby transforming the way sustainable materials are discovered.

Could Help the Move Away From Fossil Fuels

This speed-up could have major implications for (mostly clean energy) technology industries that rely on scarce or expensive raw materials, such as the battery, automobile, and steel sectors. By identifying alternative materials that are cheaper, more sustainable, and easier to produce, PhaseTree aims to help companies move away from their reliance on rare earth metals and fossil fuels.

How Does PhaseTree’s Technology Work?

Unlike many AI-driven material discovery tools that rely purely on data correlations, PhaseTree takes a different approach, i.e. a “physics-first, AI-on-top” approach. Their platform starts with well-established scientific principles, then layers AI on top to refine predictions. This ensures that the materials they identify are not only promising on paper but actually viable in the real world.

PhaseTree’s three-pronged approach includes:

– Physics-based modelling. This involves analysing fundamental material properties like composition, atomic structure, defects, and microstructures.

– AI refinement. Once strong candidates are identified using scientific principles, AI is applied to optimise their properties and manufacturing potential.

– Lab automation. Cutting down on manual testing time by integrating automated lab experiments that validate material performance faster than traditional methods.

As Jin Hyun Chang, co-founder and CTO of PhaseTree, explains: “Our approach accelerates discovery by combining physics-based modelling with AI, allowing us to rapidly identify and refine promising candidates that would traditionally take decades to develop.”

This “physics-first, AI-on-top” method is what makes PhaseTree stand out in an increasingly crowded sector. In 2024 alone, AI-powered material discovery startups raised over $260 million, with 10 out of 17 funding rounds going to European companies, including ExoMatter, Dunia, and Orbital. However, while many of these companies depend heavily on AI-driven correlations, PhaseTree tries to focus more on real-world scientific accuracy.

Why PhaseTree’s Work Could Be More Important Than Ever

The race to discover new materials is not just about efficiency and innovation. It’s about economic and environmental survival. Therefore, some of the key reasons why PhaseTree’s work could be of particular importance now include:

– The rare earth crisis. With China controlling the majority of the rare earth supply chain, industries are facing soaring costs, limited access, and increasing geopolitical risks.

– Environmental impact. Many existing materials, such as those used in lithium-ion batteries and steel production, have significant environmental drawbacks, including heavy reliance on fossil fuels and high CO₂ emissions.

– Manufacturing challenges. A material may work in a research lab, but that doesn’t mean it can be produced at scale.

PhaseTree’s CEO, Amit Luthra, has highlighted how its work directly addresses these challenges, saying: “From the outset, we design materials with manufacturability in mind, ensuring they can be synthesised at scale rather than remaining a theoretical concept or lab-scale prototype.”

Also, as Christian Lindegaard Jepsen, Partner at Heartcore Capital (a source of PhaseTree’s funding), explains: “Materials play a crucial role in developing clean energy and sustainable technologies. PhaseTree makes it easier and faster to find better alternatives that can help reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.”

By focusing on low-cost, abundant materials with straightforward synthesis routes, PhaseTree is hoping to maximise the likelihood of real-world adoption by major industrial players.

€3 Million Funding to Drive Expansion

To take their work to the next level, PhaseTree has just secured €3 million from Denmark-based venture capital firm Heartcore Capital. It’s understood that this funding will be used to:

– Expand R&D efforts, enhancing their material discovery platform.

– Grow the PhaseTree team, bringing in more scientists, engineers, and AI specialists.

– Scale up collaborations with some of the world’s largest battery, automotive, and steel manufacturers.

What This Could Mean for the Future

If PhaseTree succeeds in scaling up its technology, it could change the way industries develop materials for the better by reducing their dependence on scarce, expensive, and environmentally damaging resources.

– Some of the potential impacts include:

– Cheaper, more efficient batteries that rely on readily available materials rather than rare earth metals.

– Stronger, lighter alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

– Faster breakthroughs in renewable energy technology, making solar panels and wind turbines more efficient and cost-effective.

With the clean energy sector desperate for innovation, and supply chain disruptions making material discovery more urgent than ever, PhaseTree may well be in the right place at the right time.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation?

By combining the accuracy of scientific modelling with the speed and efficiency of AI, they are setting a precedent for how next-generation materials can be developed. The fact that PhaseTree’s approach can significantly reduce development timelines and costs could reshape entire supply chains. This could make sustainable materials more accessible for businesses that have historically struggled with long and expensive R&D cycles. With global demand for cleaner, more efficient materials growing rapidly, this innovation could arrive at a crucial turning point for industries that are under mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impact.

For UK businesses, this development could open up significant opportunities. For example, as industries face increasing regulation on carbon emissions and sustainability, the ability to source materials that are not only greener but also cost-effective could provide a real competitive advantage. British manufacturers, particularly in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy, could benefit from greater access to advanced materials that reduce reliance on imports and offer more stable supply chains. With the UK aiming to become a leader in green technology and advanced manufacturing, partnerships with companies like PhaseTree could support efforts to drive innovation domestically while reducing exposure to global market volatility.

Beyond the business world, the impact of faster, more sustainable material discovery could help society as a whole. For example, the widespread availability of new, more efficient materials could lower the cost of renewable energy infrastructure, making technologies like solar power and wind energy more affordable for consumers. Also, the battery industry, which is crucial to the success of electric vehicles and energy storage, could see faster progress towards alternatives that reduce reliance on scarce or ethically problematic resources. In turn, this could help accelerate the transition to low-carbon transport and cleaner energy grids, benefiting both the environment and consumers.

That said, while PhaseTree’s approach is promising, it remains to be seen how quickly industries can actually integrate these materials into large-scale production. The challenge isn’t only about discovery but also ensuring that new materials can be manufactured at scale, meet regulatory requirements, and gain industry-wide adoption. Although PhaseTree’s focus on manufacturability from the outset is a positive step, real-world implementation will be the true test of its success.

ChatGPT has a ‘memory’ feature which you should know about because you might wish to amend what is known about you (for security if nothing else) and also because you can add and delete ‘memories’ and thereby change the outputs you get.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

Ditching the plastic SIM? eSIMs make switching networks seamless, but not all phones support them. Here’s how to check if your phone does.

How to Check if Your Phone is eSIM-Compatible

For iPhones:

– Go to Settings > General > About.

– Scroll down to find EID (Embedded Identity Document).

– If an EID is listed, your iPhone supports eSIM.

– iPhones from the iPhone 11 series onwards generally support eSIM, but check for your specific model.

For Android Phones:

– Open the phone app and dial *#06#.

– If you see an EID number in the results, your phone supports eSIM.

– Alternatively, check Settings > About phone for eSIM-related information.

– Most Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer, Google Pixel 3 and later, and other flagship Android devices include eSIM support.

Bonus – Other Things to Check

Is Your Phone Unlocked?

An unlocked phone can use eSIMs from different networks.

– On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock – it should say “No SIM restrictions” if unlocked.

– On Android, the process varies, so check your device manual or ask your network provider.

Does Your Network Support eSIM?

– Not all carriers offer eSIM support. Before switching, confirm with your provider that they support eSIM for your device.

– eSIMs are becoming more common, with growing adoption in mid-range and budget devices. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM now, it may well be a feature in your next upgrade.

OpenAI has launched Sora, its AI-powered video generation tool, and GPT-4.5, its latest and most advanced language model, in the UK, marking a major leap in artificial intelligence technology and sparking debate across creative and technological industries.

What is Sora and Why Has It Only Just Arrived in the UK?

Sora is OpenAI’s revolutionary text-to-video generator that can create up to 20-second-long, 1080p resolution videos from simple text prompts. It can also work with existing footage to extend, remix, or blend clips into new creations. The tool has been available in other regions since December 2024 but was withheld from the UK and Europe due to regulatory concerns around AI-generated content, data privacy, and intellectual property rights. Now, after adjustments to comply with local laws, OpenAI has finally made Sora available to UK users from 28 February 2025.

Who is Sora Aimed At and How Can You Get It?

Sora is aimed at digital creators, filmmakers, advertisers, and even casual users looking to experiment with AI-generated video content. It is currently available exclusively to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users. The Plus plan, at $20 per month, allows limited video generation, while the Pro plan, at $200 per month, provides significantly higher resolution and longer-duration videos. OpenAI has also promised future pricing plans for different levels of users.

Sora’s Features and Capabilities

Sora offers a range of tools that make AI-powered video creation both intuitive and highly customisable. These include:

Remix – Remove or reimagine specific elements in an existing video.

Re-cut – Extend frames to complete a scene.

Storyboard – Arrange and edit video sequences on a timeline.

Loop – Trim and create seamlessly repeating videos.

Blend – Merge two videos into one smooth clip.

Style Presets – Apply distinctive styles like ‘film noir’ or ‘papercraft’ to generated videos.

Sora says that these and other features mean that creators can develop unique video content quickly, without the need for complex editing software or extensive production teams.

Sora’s Impact on the Film, TV, and Advertising Industries

Sora appears to be poised to disrupt traditional content production. For example, by reducing the need for physical sets, location shoots, and expensive post-production work, the tool presents a more cost-effective and accessible alternative. Tyler Perry, a leading figure in the US film industry, has already expressed concerns about AI’s impact on traditional filmmaking, citing Sora’s potential to replace entire studio sets with AI-generated scenes.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that advertising agencies have been quick to adopt AI-generated content, with major brands such as Coca-Cola using AI to create full advertisements. David Jones, CEO of Brandtech Group, has described the shift as a “tectonic disruption” in marketing, comparing it to the digital photography revolution that made companies like Kodak obsolete.

Criticism and Ethical Concerns

Despite its impressive capabilities, Sora has drawn some criticism, particularly around copyright issues. For example, many artists and filmmakers fear their work may have been used to train the AI without permission. The UK creative industry has pushed back against government plans to allow AI firms to use copyrighted material without consent, with high-profile figures like Sir Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa signing an open letter opposing these policies.

Also, while OpenAI has included safeguards such as metadata tags and visible watermarks to distinguish AI-generated content, there are still concerns about potential misuse, including deepfakes and misinformation.

OpenAI Also Introduces GPT-4.5, Its Most Advanced Language Model Yet

In addition to releasing Sora in the UK, OpenAI has also just announced the introduction of GPT-4.5, codenamed ‘Orion,’ its latest language model. GPT-4.5 is designed to be more powerful, accurate, and emotionally intelligent than its predecessors. Unlike previous models, OpenAI says GPT-4.5 is better at recognising patterns, responding naturally to user prompts, and producing more reliable and nuanced answers. OpenAI claims it has significantly reduced “hallucinations”, the AI’s tendency to generate incorrect information, making it more dependable for research, writing, and business applications.

Who is GPT-4.5 Best For?

The model is particularly well-suited for creative writing, programming, education, and customer service applications. It demonstrates improved reasoning capabilities, making it more effective at problem-solving and strategic decision-making. Businesses can use it for automated customer interactions, while students and professionals can leverage it for research and content creation.

How to Access GPT-4.5 and What It Costs

GPT-4.5 is currently available to ChatGPT Pro users at $200 per month. OpenAI plans to roll it out to Plus and Team subscribers next week, with further availability for Enterprise and Edu users to follow.

Developers can access GPT-4.5 through OpenAI’s API at a premium rate. The model’s increased computing power makes it more expensive to run than previous versions, leading to speculation about whether OpenAI will continue offering it long-term.

Strengths and Limitations

OpenAI says GPT-4.5 excels in areas requiring creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and complex reasoning. It also claims that GPT-4.5 outperforms many rival models in factual accuracy tests, responding with fewer errors than previous GPT iterations.

However, it seems that GPT-4.5 falls short in AI “reasoning” benchmarks compared to competitors such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 and DeepSeek’s R1, which are designed to think through complex problems more methodically. Also, the model’s high operational cost has raised concerns about accessibility, with some questioning whether OpenAI will maintain support for GPT-4.5 in its API or shift focus to newer models in development.

Ethical Concerns and Controversy

A major point of debate surrounding GPT-4.5 is its ability to persuade and manipulate. For example, OpenAI’s internal tests found that the model was particularly good at convincing other AI models to donate virtual money or reveal hidden codewords. While OpenAI has stated that GPT-4.5 does not pose a “high” risk in this area, the findings have raised concerns about AI’s potential use in social engineering scams or misinformation campaigns.

Also, OpenAI has faced scrutiny over its transparency, after it quietly removed a statement from GPT-4.5’s white paper that said the model was “not a frontier AI model.” This has led to speculation that the company is downplaying the risks associated with GPT-4.5’s capabilities.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

OpenAI’s decision to bring these tools to the UK offers new opportunities for content creators, businesses, and researchers. However, their arrival may also reignite ongoing debates about AI’s ethical implications, its impact on traditional industries, and the risks of misinformation.

Sora, with its ability to generate high-quality video from simple text prompts, is undoubtedly a real game-changer for filmmakers, advertisers, and digital artists. It democratises video production, making it more accessible to those without extensive technical expertise or large budgets. However, this democratisation comes at a price, as concerns over copyright infringement, job displacement, and AI-generated misinformation continue to loom large. While OpenAI has implemented some safeguards, the potential for misuse remains, especially in a world where distinguishing between real and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly difficult.

Similarly, GPT-4.5 appears to offer another step forward in AI’s reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities. For example, with enhanced accuracy and more nuanced responses, it is a valuable tool for businesses, educators, and writers. However, questions persist about its long-term accessibility due to its high cost, as well as its ethical implications. The model’s ability to influence and persuade, coupled with OpenAI’s lack of transparency regarding its full capabilities, raises concerns about the risks of AI-driven manipulation.

Both Sora and GPT-4.5, therefore, appear to highlight the double-edged nature of AI progress. While they offer incredible potential to revolutionise industries and improve productivity, they also introduce complex challenges that society must address. Regulation, ethical oversight, and clear transparency from AI developers will be essential in ensuring that these tools are used responsibly.

In this article, we look at the key actions to take if your mobile phone is stolen, how to protect your data, and ways to reduce the risk of theft in the first place.

Phone Theft on the Rise

Mobile phone theft is an increasing concern in the UK, with incidents on the rise, particularly in urban areas. For example, in the 12 months leading up to March 2024, approximately 78,000 individuals reported having their phones or bags stolen, marking a dramatic increase compared to previous years. London alone accounts for a significant portion of these incidents, with hotspot areas including train stations, busy high streets, and public transport hubs.

A Guide

Given the personal and financial information stored on modern smartphones, losing one to theft can be more than just an inconvenience because it can also lead to significant security risks. This guide outlines the essential steps to take if your phone is stolen, how to prevent such incidents, and the importance of mobile phone insurance.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Phone Is Stolen

Perhaps the most important steps you can take if your phone is stolen are:

1. Attempt to Locate and Secure Your Device Remotely

Most smartphones come equipped with tracking features that allow users to locate, lock, or erase their device remotely:

– iPhone users: Use ‘Find My iPhone’ (https://www.icloud.com/find) via iCloud or the Find My app on another Apple device.

– Android users: Visit Find My Device to track, lock, or erase your phone remotely. You can use the Find My Device app or go to android.com/find on a browser. You can also use the app on a friend’s phone or tablet.

– Samsung users: Use ‘Find My Mobile’ (https://smartthingsfind.samsung.com/login) to locate or secure your device.

– If tracking is enabled, you can share your phone’s location with the police, which may help in recovery efforts.

2. Report the Theft to the Police

Call 101 or visit your nearest police station to report the theft. Provide them with your phone’s IMEI number, which can help track the device. You’ll also receive a crime reference number, which is necessary for insurance claims. Obviously, it helps to keep a note of your IMEI number somewhere separately in case of this eventuality. You can find your IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your phone’s keypad (see below) or checking your device’s settings. You can also find it on the original packaging or in your purchase documents.

Even if you believe the chances of recovering your phone are low, reporting the theft helps authorities identify crime patterns and hotspot areas.

3. Notify Your Network Provider

Contact your mobile network provider immediately to block your SIM card and, if possible, blacklist the phone’s IMEI number to prevent it from being used on UK networks.

This step also prevents thieves from making costly calls or accessing data services on your plan. Some providers cap unauthorised charges at £100, but only if you report the theft within 24 hours.

4. Inform Your Bank and Other Financial Institutions

If you use mobile banking or payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, contact your bank to suspend these services. This prevents unauthorised transactions and potential financial loss.

Some victims of phone theft have lost thousands of pounds when thieves accessed banking apps before security measures were implemented.

5. Change Passwords for Important Accounts

Using another device, update passwords for:

– Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

– Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

– Banking apps

– Subscription services (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon)

This ensures that even if a thief attempts to access your data, they won’t be able to log in.

Understanding Mobile Phone Theft in the UK

The rise in mobile phone thefts is a growing concern, with government figures showing a massive 150 per cent increase in snatch thefts over the past year! Organised gangs often target high-value smartphones due to their resale value, both in the UK and overseas.

Common Methods of Mobile Phone Theft

– Snatch thefts. Thieves on bikes or mopeds grab phones from unsuspecting victims using them in public.

– Distraction techniques. Criminals use diversions, such as asking for directions, while an accomplice steals the phone.

– Pickpocketing. Crowded areas like public transport hubs are hotspots where thieves discreetly remove phones from pockets or bags.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Mobile Phone Theft

To reduce the risk of mobile phone theft, some proactive measures you can take include:

1. Staying Vigilant in Public Spaces

– Avoid using your phone while walking on busy streets or near roadsides.

– Be aware of your surroundings and hold your phone securely.

– Stand against a wall or in a safer location if you need to use your phone in public.

2. Securing Your Device with Strong Passwords

– Use a strong PIN, password, or biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition).

– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts for added security.

3. Registering Your Phone’s IMEI Number

– Dial ** *#06# ** on your phone to display its IMEI number. Keep a record of this number in case of theft, as it will help your network provider block the device.

4. Installing a Tracking App

– Ensure tracking features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” are enabled before an incident occurs. These tools provide the best chance of recovering your phone.

5. Disabling Message Previews on Lock Screen

– To prevent thieves from accessing authentication codes or personal messages, disable message previews on the lock screen. This setting can be found in your phone’s privacy settings.

The Importance of Mobile Phone Insurance

Investing in mobile phone insurance can help mitigate the financial impact of theft. For example, many policies cover things like:

– The cost of a replacement device.

– Unauthorised usage charges.

– Loss or accidental damage.

If you don’t have standalone phone insurance, check whether your home insurance policy includes mobile phone cover.

What More Could Be Done to Help Tackle the Problem of Mobile Phone Theft?

To further combat mobile phone theft, additional measures that key stakeholders could take may include:

– Mobile phone companies strengthening anti-theft features, such as theft detection locks and offline device locking, to make stolen phones unusable.

– Police enhancing tracking and retrieval efforts, conducting targeted operations in theft hotspots, and improving cooperation with tech firms.

– Insurers offering incentives for users who enable security features and register IMEI numbers.

– Regulatory bodies mandating IMEI registration and enforcing stricter penalties for handling stolen phones.

– The launching of public awareness campaigns, educating users on security best practices and theft prevention.

By working together, these measures may also help deter theft and protect users from financial and personal data loss.

Checklist – Steps to Take If Your Mobile Phone Is Stolen

Here’s a handy checklist of essential steps to take if your mobile phone is stolen, ensuring you act quickly to protect your device and personal data.

Attempt to Locate and Secure Your Device Remotely: Use Find My iPhone/Find My Device to track, lock, or erase your phone.

Report the Theft to the Police: Call 101 and obtain a crime reference number for insurance purposes.

Notify Your Network Provider: Request to block your SIM and blacklist the IMEI number.

Inform Your Bank: Suspend Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and mobile banking apps.

Change Passwords for Important Accounts: Secure email, banking, and social media accounts.

Register Your IMEI Number: If you haven’t already, find your IMEI by dialling ** *#06# ** and store it safely.

Consider Getting Mobile Phone Insurance: Check if your phone is covered under an insurance policy to reduce financial loss.

Print this checklist and keep it in a safe place in case your phone is stolen.

Taking proactive steps to secure your phone and knowing what to do in case of theft can protect your personal data and finances. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Losing a mobile phone to theft is more than just a frustration, as it can lead to serious security risks, financial loss, and personal inconvenience. With phone theft becoming more common, particularly in busy urban areas, knowing how to respond effectively is essential. Acting quickly by locking the device remotely, reporting the theft to the police and network provider, and securing financial accounts can significantly reduce the potential damage.

However, the best way to stay protected is through prevention. Taking simple precautions, such as keeping your phone out of sight in high-risk areas, using biometric security features, and ensuring remote tracking is enabled, can make all the difference. While no measure can guarantee complete safety, being proactive about security can lower the risk of falling victim to opportunistic thieves.

Mobile phones have become central to daily life, storing vast amounts of personal, financial, and business data and information. By taking steps to secure your device before it is stolen and knowing exactly what to do if the worst happens, you can stay in control even when faced with a crime that is becoming increasingly common.