U.S. authorities said on Wednesday that Flax Typhoon was used to infiltrate networks by exploiting known vulnerabilities and would then use existing system tools to perform filching.
The bots bypassed traditional security solutions like antivirus and intrusion detection systems because these systems were designed to detect known “malware signatures” or unusual file activity.

Therefore, the state-sponsored actor, in this case, the PRC, would avoid dropping large or sophisticated malware packages as these would increase the likelihood of triggering these defenses by relying on these stealth techniques of using legitimate system tools. They would minimize the use of any detectable malware. Therefore, attackers would avoid detection by the standard signature-based systems. After gaining initial access, the attackers dump user credentials from memory or password stores, allowing them to elevate privileges and move laterally across the network, accessing more sensitive systems and data.

Story By Skeeter Wesinger

September 19, 2024

Phishing attacks on LinkedIn are becoming increasingly sophisticated. State-sponsored actors are posing as recruiters from major headhunting firms like Korn Ferry, based in Los Angeles. These attackers aim to trick professionals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware by creating profiles that closely resemble those of legitimate recruiters.

The process begins with attackers setting up fake LinkedIn profiles using stolen or fabricated information. A key red flag is the number of LinkedIn connections; if the profile has fewer than 10, it’s often a fake. These profiles frequently use company logos, professional headshots, and detailed job descriptions to appear credible. They may claim to represent well-known firms or major corporations like Google, Microsoft, or top-tier recruitment agencies to target professionals who aspire to work at such companies.

Once the profile is in place, the phishing attempt usually starts with a connection request or a direct message (InMail). The message will likely include a job offer or a unique career opportunity crafted to appeal to the recipient. The attacker might claim they’ve reviewed your profile and believe you are an excellent candidate for a prestigious, high-paying job—tactics often enhanced using AI to generate convincing content.

In the message, the fake recruiter may include a link, supposedly leading to a job portal, a document with more details, or a form to submit your CV. However, these links usually redirect to a malicious site designed to steal login credentials and personal information or install malware. Always hover over any links to inspect them before clicking. If the link looks suspicious, reconsider engaging.

Some of the most sophisticated attackers even create fake LinkedIn login pages or corporate websites to capture your username and password. It’s critical never to reuse passwords, as this could expose you to further attacks down the line. Additionally, they might request personal information such as your phone number, home address, or social security number under the pretense of a job application.

Remember, these attackers are not amateurs—they are state-sponsored actors. Be vigilant and cautious when interacting with unsolicited job offers on LinkedIn. Always verify the legitimacy of any recruiter before providing any information, and stay aware of the signs that an offer may be too good to be true.

 

Article by Skeeter Wesinger

September 16, 2024

 

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/phishing-attacks-linkedin-skeeter-wesinger-5newe

Nvidia Blackwell GPU Nvidia expects to be delivering Blackwell GPU by the end of 2024

In 2022, the first details of Nvidia’s or NUH-vid-ee-uhs Blackwell GPU were leaked, hinting at the company’s next leap in generative AI performance. Early users who have had the opportunity to test the new product report that these GPUs are incredibly fast—so fast that they outpace even the quickest networks currently available. Nvidia has claimed that in recent AI benchmarks, the Blackwell GPU delivers up to a 30x performance boost and a 25x increase in efficiency compared to its predecessors. The company anticipates beginning product shipments by the end of 2024.

It’s also worth noting that in June 2024, Nvidia hinted at a successor to the Blackwell GPU—codenamed Rubin. During his keynote address at Computex, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed that the next generation of GPUs and CPUs, named “Rubin” in honor of the American astronomer Vera Rubin, is expected to be available in the first half of 2026. If this product reaches the market as planned, it could potentially challenge the limits of Moore’s Law. The Blackwell-architecture GPUs already push boundaries with their 208 billion transistors, built using TSMC’s custom 4NP process.

While Moore’s Law, which predicts the doubling of transistors on a chip approximately every two years, might be approaching its physical limitations, the drive for technological innovation remains strong. The semiconductor industry is shifting towards new chip architectures, quantum computing, and AI and machine learning advancements. The ongoing debate between Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Intel’s Pat Gelsinger highlights differing views on the future of technological progress. However, innovation in computing will persist, albeit in new and evolving forms.

The Blackwell GPU is engineered with a cutting-edge design that features two dies connected by a 10 TB/s (terabyte per second) interconnect, effectively creating a single two-die GPU. This architecture enables unprecedented performance and efficiency.

Central to this innovation is the GB200 Superchip, which integrates two Blackwell GPUs alongside an Nvidia Grace CPU optimized for peak performance. The GB200 Superchips also can have up to 384 GB of high-bandwidth memory 3e (HBM3e) on-chip, delivering an impressive memory bandwidth of up to 16 TB/s. Like previous HBM generations, HBM3e utilizes 3D stacking technology, where memory dies are stacked vertically and connected through TSVs (Through-Silicon Vias). This compact design reduces the physical footprint of the memory and allows for faster data transfer between layers.

Moreover, multiple GB200 Superchips can be interconnected in clusters using Nvidia’s latest Quantum-X800 and Spectrum-X800 Ethernet, achieving speeds up to 800 GB/s. This advanced networking capability further enhances the scalability and performance potential of the Blackwell architecture, making it a powerful tool for the most demanding AI and computing workloads.

The Blackwell chip features two dies fused together, creating a single chip with a 10TB/s interconnect, which resulted in lower-than-expected yields. According to Nvidia, they have made a change to the Blackwell GPU die mask to improve production yields.

The AI revolution will be comparable to the Industrial or Digital Revolutions, with far-reaching consequences for humanity. The outcomes of the AI revolution will depend on how society chooses to develop and implement AI technology, as this revolution isn’t going to end anytime soon. As both PwC and McKinsey say, AI presents a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity.

 

Story by Skeeter Wesinger

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nvidia-blackwell-gpu-skeeter-wesinger-opnee

Meyer Burger has announced that it will be closing its Colorado facility after securing a USD 90 million financial package from the City of Colorado Springs and the State of Colorado. In a July 2024 statement, the company also revealed that Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Moritz Borgmann would be stepping down for personal reasons. Following this, the company surprised many by disclosing plans to shutter its Colorado operations despite the financial support. Additionally, Meyer Burger accepted loans totaling more than USD 300 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and applied for the Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit 45X, a provision of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under the Biden administration’s Green New Deal.

“Meyer Burger Technology AG announced today that the planned construction of a solar cell production facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, is no longer financially viable due to recent developments, and the project will therefore be discontinued,” the company stated.

The firm’s board of directors has tasked management with developing a “comprehensive restructuring and cost-cutting program.” The company also announced the departure of board member Mark Kerekes and noted that its financing gap, which remained after an April 2024 capital raise, would be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the firm’s medium-term EBITDA target and debt ratio are now expected to be considerably lower than previously projected.

I reached out to the company for further comment, but they declined.

Story by Skeeter Wesinger

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/skeeterw_meyer-burger-has-announced-that-it-will-be-activity-7235224739336568833-dM9k?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop