RSnake Report 20250511

Hello, and thanks for reading! I hope you all had a nice Mother’s Day. If you forgot to make that call, make sure you get on that one! I made that mistake once about 20 years ago, and I still hear about it every… single… year.

First, in Russian/Ukrainian news, there is a new practical use for drones—the Ukrainian UGV known as the “Vislyuk” (Вислюк, or little donkey). This remote machine is designed to deploy rolls of concertina wire at speed, dramatically slowing down the meat waves, wasting their time, and making them easier to target. It would cross large swaths of space and save Ukrainian lives in the process.

In other drone news, I spotted a lineup of waterborne configurations for the new Ukrainian "Seawolf" drone. From air defense to mine support, the modular nature of this drone exhibits a tactical flexibility that is sure to keep adversaries on their toes. This multi-role feature can keep supply lines full of the base craft while making role-specific changes as needed. It reminds me a little of the F-35 and Littoral ship concept promise, only much lower cost.

On the Russian side, a new kamikaze UAV has emerged, boasting a powerful 14 MP camera and sophisticated navigation capabilities thanks to its laser rangefinder and digital map storage. This flying menace operates sans GPS, which is a long discussed improvement in drone technology that reduces the possibility of jamming, and keeps accuracy high. It does make recalling or re-tasking the drone a question mark, but for static targets this is very clever.

Ukrainian attack drones recently pulled off a remarkable feat by penetrating over 750 kilometers of Russian airspace to strike the nation’s largest fiber optic cable producer, igniting alarms over Russia's drone production capabilities. The facility is now engulfed in flames, which might spell bad news for the Russian military infrastructure. Discover the incident's context here.

Chaos extended to Russian airports, where stranded travelers have been left reeling thanks to Ukrainian drones wreaking havoc and shutting down the airspace. This is a super low cost way to shut down much of the country, in part due to the vast distances across the country, leaving only car and rail as transport. This mostly effects the wealthy and white collar who need to travel often as part of their job functions. So this is a real blow for very little cost to the Ukrainians.

In terms of air defense, reports from Russia suggest that it’s making a dent with hundreds of air interceptions this week over just a 24-hour period, although skepticism hangs over the actual numbers. Can they keep up with the rapid depletion of their arsenal, especially when the cost of the air defense is an order of magnitude or more than the cost of the attacks? It seems unlikely that this is a long-term, sustainable situation, even if I did believe the numbers they’re spouting. And to be clear, I think it’s not likely. There’s concern that Ukrainian drones may be utilizing Russian cell phone SIM cards for navigation, and to counter that, the Russians turned off cell coverage for a huge chunk of the western part of Russia. Talk about a blow to the quality of life of the average people operating in Russia.

As if the mounting challenges weren’t enough, Russia’s KAMAZ plant, vital for military vehicle production, is now on fire after a reported strike. I guess they’ll have to settle for more Scooby-Doo’d up-armored vans.

The Russian government faces a budgeting nightmare, with its current deficit worsening even more than during the dark days of COVID. It is hard to imagine they can return from this, but the bottom line, the red one, shows they are starting the year with the worst numbers since 2020, and there is no reason to think they can round that financial corner with the current war afoot.

However, a grim humanitarian aspect emerged as Russia prepares to forcibly relocate over 50,000 Ukrainian children to “summer camps” designed to erase any sense of national identity, but also, just imagine that bargaining chip when it comes time to negotiate. It’s hard to walk away from so many children, no matter how much land you lose. Hostages. That is what Russia has. 50k child hostages. That said, removing them from the front is also not an awful idea, even if they are hostages.

The war continues to plague the Russian oil industry and energy sector writ large. With reports hinting that PJSC Lukoil, a big player in oil production, is down a staggering 92% in part due to the reduction in the oil prices worldwide. This, paired with alarming oil well fires and urgent calls for Western technology transfers, underscores a beleaguered energy landscape.

In Europe, tensions are simmering as Hungary moves into what it calls "war mode." The Defence Minister of the Orban regime has openly expressed a shift away from diplomatic approaches, signaling a potential escalation in their military posture. While he stopped short of announcing any NATO exits, the implications seem clear. Hungary is gearing up for a more aggressive stance, and this could shift regional dynamics drastically.

There are other signs as well. One is from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) which made headlines by busting a spy network allegedly orchestrated by Hungarian military intelligence. The spies gathered crucial intelligence in the Zakarpattia region, digging into military defenses and assessing local sentiments toward a possible Hungarian military presence. Two operatives have been detained, linked back to Hungary's intelligence apparatus. Also, Hungary has initiated a widespread hate campaign against Ukraine. The Orban government appears bent on painting Ukraine as an existential threat while blaming Brussels for Hungary's woes.

In other noteworthy events, the Catholic Church has a new leader—the first American pope, Robert Prevost, who will take the name Pope Leo XIV. White smoke has emerged over the Vatican, marking a historical moment for the Church and raising questions about how his tenure might influence the religious and geopolitical landscape. Almost the very first, and very silly thing he did was to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. I am fairly sure Hamas isn’t listening to the Pope. Neither are the Jews. So I really have no idea who he was even talking to, but it’s clear the Catholic church isn’t bothered by the position or religion of the belligerents.

The bulk of the news this week comes out of South Asia and, in particular, between India and Pakistan. India recently launched a series of strikes utilizing jets, missiles, and drones. The carefully coordinated attack originally started with targeted terror-linked sites within Pakistan and set the stage for greater hostilities.

Developments have only added fuel to the fire, as missile and drone incidents have been reported along the India-Pakistan border. Indian suicide drones have penetrated deep into Pakistani territory, striking near the military’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. With blasts reported in key cities like Gujranwala and Lahore, Pakistani.

Adding to this narrative, reports reveal an unprecedented aerial "dogfight" between Indian and Pakistani forces. Security officials from Pakistan claimed this clash was the largest and longest in recent aviation history, involving over 125 fighter jets engaged in exchanges that lasted for over an hour. Neither country’s aircraft officially entered the other's airspace, though the stakes were sky-high with missiles flying at distances exceeding 160 kilometers. Apparently, the US is already analyzing all of the data, because a lot of the Pakistani equipment was in use that may not have had proper flight and combat performance analysis done.

On the drone warfare front, the Pakistani Armed Forces have announced the downing of at least 25 Israeli-manufactured “Harop” attack drones launched by India. Using a combination of jamming and anti-aircraft weapons, Pakistan has asserted its ability to respond decisively to such threats.

The intensity escalated further with reports of Pakistani air force jets being shot down during skirmishes in Indian-administered territories. Initial updates indicate that F-16s from Pakistan have been targeted (more footage here), though I have to be clear here, I don’t know if this information is true, and there are a lot of reasons to doubt the reporting on this war, on both sides.

Some of the targeting was by Russian-made S-400s that Ukraine has also been dealing with. There may be better anti-aircraft systems, but they appear to have worked at least in some of the cases against the one-way attack drones that the Pakistanis were using.

Okay, so let’s do a little rundown. There were Chinese-made P-15 AA missiles being fired from Chinese-made JF-17s, there were Chinese 155mm self-propelled howitzers being used, and we already discussed the Israeli loitering munitions being used by India. There were also French Rafales, Russian Su-30s, and MiG-29s. There was even a US-made C-130 involved. Talk about a hodgepodge of military tech! But it’s also clear that Pakistan and India are nearly wholly reliant on other countries for their arsenals.

Yet amidst the chaos, India and Pakistan have reportedly reached a tentative peace deal. This diplomatic win is crucial if they can follow through, especially considering the violent history between the nations. I saw the floodgates of peace open (pun intended) when India turned back on the water to Pakistan. It was “routine” except for the fact that Pakistan really needs the water, and I am sure it was a relief for the population below that dam.

The US played some part in the peace deal according to Trump, which may have something to do with his upcoming travel to that region. So a tentative ceasefire is in place.

But don’t hold your breath just yet; violations of the agreement have already begun to surface, with reciprocal strikes occurring in the hours following the announcement. Other theories on what is happening are a little more interesting. One is that the Indians all but completely wiped out the forward operating positions for the Pakistani air force, so they came to heel quickly due to that.

Either way, I am seeing Delhi starting to evolve the rhetoric to be more about the terrorists and stopping them and not really even talking about Pakistan itself, except to say that Pakistan will do its part to punish the terrorists within its own borders. That’s a big softening, and likely does mean that there will be an attempt at peace.

Over to the East, Myanmar has been dealing with airstrikes that ostensibly persist despite a declared ceasefire that was meant to observe a period of national mourning after the earthquake that struck that region. Reports from Myanmar Witness detail over 80 airstrike incidents across multiple states, with a lot of footage as proof.

Briefly, I caught this interesting video where hobbiest are making Chinese drones out of cardboard a tiny electronic prop engine, a battery and basic servos. While I do not think this is of sufficient quality to operate as a meaningful battlefield attack drone, in sufficient quantities, these could be a real risk if electronic warfare and sufficient air defense weren’t available, once armed with even a few ounces of explosives. We are a country with a gun behind every blade of grass. Will China be a country with a drone behind every blade of grass?

In the Middle East, the Houthis are learning a harsh lesson in the law of consequences after their airfield was struck, delivering a precise, devastating result. The entire airfield and all adjacent buildings were destroyed along with all of the aircraft. A pretty potent reminder that Israel is almost always holding back.

Within less than 24 hours, Israeli forces successfully targeted the Houthis’ main cargo port, multiple power stations, cement factories, and the airport. Officials have signaled that this is merely the beginning, painting a picture of an expansive military campaign aimed at curtailing Houthi capabilities. The Houthis intend to help the Yemeni opposition win the civil war.

As a brief lesson, the Civil war has been going on for quite some time, and the Houthis are actually only holding a minority of the country, all in the west (in green below). That part happens to be closest to Israel, but it also means the Houthis are relatively surrounded by opposition forces.

However, a ceasefire was brokered between the U.S. and the Houthis after weeks of intense bombing campaigns. While on the surface this appears to be a step towards de-escalation, several caveats loom large. Notably, Israel appears to have no part in this agreement, and anti-Houthi factions inside Yemen are bracing themselves for disappointment as their civil conflicts will likely continue unabated. The Houthis are also not necessarily going to keep their word either, but for the moment, the US assets in the region are no longer threatened by Houthi rebels… for now.

Patrols from Yemen’s First Marine Infantry Brigade and Coast Guard carried out operations that resulted in the seizure of two sailboats laden with materials intended for explosive manufacturing. The vessels were reportedly caught in the Red Sea carrying a staggering three million detonators, among other explosive equipment. You read that right. Three MILLION detonators. And where did they come from? Iran. How we react to that little incident remains to be seen.

An F/A-18F "Super Hornet" has reportedly been lost in the Red Sea after an "arrestment failure" during operations from the USS Harry S. Truman. This is yet another one. Seems we can’t keep these things on the deck. It’s not a good situation to be losing these extremely expensive aircraft every other day.

As a funny aside, President Putin claims that Russia stands as a bulwark against anti-Semitism while simultaneously arming Iran with missiles, which funds proxy forces like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. You can always tell when Putin is lying… because he is talking.

In North American news, the air is thick with tension as a Canadian Islamic scholar, Younus Kathrada, incited a firestorm with a sermon that called for hostility against Jews while praising young Palestinians who aspire to martyrdom. How on earth is this allowed, and why isn’t he immediately arrested for inciting violence? Seems crazy, but you know, maybe it’s just Canada being far too open-minded about what it allows.

Oh, no, apparently not. We have the same issue here in the US. Temple University far left organizers voiced a resolute ambition to dismantle perceived imperialism by indicating that destroying Israel… and by saying it is merely a stepping stone towards their broader goal of toppling the United States and its foundational ideals. These people are outwardly showing us that they are radical enemy combatants.

Seattle’s port has hit a concerning snag, with port officials announcing the shocking news. There are no container ships in sight. “We currently do not have any container ships at port right now,” stated Seattle's port commissioner. This is almost certainly a mix of supply chain issues due to situations like the Houthi attacks, combined with tariffs. But this will affect dock workers and longshoremen.

On the domestic front, there was a breach at TeleMessage, the company behind the modified Signal client used by high-profile Trump administration officials. The breach, reportedly achieved in a stunningly easy manner requiring just 15-20 minutes. What the implications are have not been made clear, but it is important to recognize that the compromise may have effected the company and not the software they deployed, so it’s unclear to me what the blast radius is, only that operational security is in jeopardy.

In another bizarre story, reports have emerged about stolen police uniforms and badges as well as vinyl wraps for police cars, which likely points to foreign sabotage teams potentially preparing to impersonate NYPD officers on U.S. soil. If true, this poses a significant risk not only to law enforcement but also to public safety. Imagine a hostile team shutting down the entirety of the city and everyone assuming it is legitimate. This isn’t one or two that are missing; it’s 19 uniforms and 200 sets of NYPD police vehicle vinyl stickers!

Lastly, in Tech news, OpenAI has just dropped that the company has appears to have agreed to acquire Windsurf, a fork of Visual Studio Code, for a whopping $3 billion. This move reflects OpenAI's ambition to enhance its software offerings while potentially integrating advanced AI capabilities into popular coding tools, making the AI more accessible to developers and vibe coders alike. Good for them, and even more reason to stick with Cursor. 😉 

Okay, onto the articles!

India and Pakistan are currently engaged in intensified military conflict, with recent airstrikes from India following an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Both nations, which are nuclear-armed, have exchanged artillery and drone fire, leading to civilian casualties and the fear of broader escalation in violence over the long-standing Kashmir dispute, rooted in their partition in 1947.

• India and Pakistan have a decades-long conflict over the Kashmir region.

• Recent military exchanges have led to civilian deaths and heightened tensions between the two countries.

[RSnake: It’s amazing how poorly this article aged. The question is, will the hostilities restart, or are they really over?]

Source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/10/india-and-pakistan-have-been-conflict-1947-partition-look-its-troubled-legacy.html

Sudan is facing a devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Recent attacks attributed to the RSF have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to critical infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.

• The RSF's recent attacks have killed at least 33 people, including a strike on a prison.

• The conflict has displaced 13 million people and is described by the UN as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

[RSnake: It’s funny how this barely makes the news. Part of it is that they don’t have the infrastructure to get much news out of the country, so journalists have to care enough to want to go on the ground there… and they don’t.]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/10/at-least-33-killed-in-suspected-paramilitary-rsf-strikes-in-sudan?traffic_source=rss

The residents of Gaza are experiencing severe food shortages and rising prices due to the closure of crossings and the depletion of essential supplies. The situation has escalated to famine levels, with many families struggling to find even basic food items, leading to dire health consequences, especially among children and the elderly.

• Gaza faced a closure of crossings leading to severe food shortages and skyrocketing prices.

• The World Food Programme reported the closure of all bakeries in Gaza, marking the start of true famine.

• Families are experiencing malnutrition, health issues, and are forced to beg for food in desperate circumstances.

[RSnake: The pope is here to help, though… and now the question is, will the pope demand that the Catholics begin to offer aid to Gaza in the meantime? Or will the Church stick to having the Pontiff pontificating?]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/5/10/my-nephew-asks-if-he-will-eat-meat-only-in-heaven-i-struggle-to-answer?traffic_source=rss

The United States has successfully mediated a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan following a period of escalating military conflict, marked by missile strikes between the two nuclear-armed nations. U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Rubio, worked to facilitate communications and negotiations leading to the immediate ceasefire and discussions on broader issues.

• The U.S. intervened to mediate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions and military actions.

• The agreement includes discussions on a set of broader issues between the two countries.

[RSnake: Say what you will about the Trump administration, but that easily could have sparked WWIII and still could. ☢️ ]

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-white-houses-effort-pull-india-pakistan-back-brink-war

Stratolaunch successfully conducted two flights of its autonomous Talon-A2 hypersonic rocket plane, marking the first reusable hypersonic vehicle flight in the United States since the X-15, with a focus on enhancing US hypersonic capabilities to match those of China. The Pentagon has increased investment in hypersonic weapons and testing programs amid rising competition, particularly in the context of missile technology that is harder to detect and intercept. The ongoing testing is expected to accelerate the development of hypersonic systems for military applications.

• Stratolaunch completed two autonomous flights of its Talon-A2 hypersonic rocket plane in 2025.

• The Pentagon aims to boost US hypersonic testing capacity significantly to keep pace with advancements in China.

• Investment in hypersonic technology is seen as critical due to the unique challenges posed by hypersonic weapons in defense.

[RSnake: It’s not clear what this would be for - possibly a long-range autonomous penetrator acting as an expensive bomb/missile truck? That’s my guess, but perhaps it could also offer some recon capabilities as well. Either way, very cool!]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/the-company-with-the-worlds-largest-aircraft-now-has-a-hypersonic-rocket-plane/

In Hong Kong, a national security law has led to an increase in surveillance and reporting of citizens for activities deemed suspicious, significantly impacting freedoms of speech and assembly. This law has been associated with numerous arrests and has prompted many residents to leave the city, while pro-CCP informers are actively engaging in community surveillance. The political landscape has shifted dramatically, with no representation for pro-democracy parties in government, and an atmosphere of self-censorship has become prevalent among academics and the general populace.

• The national security law in Hong Kong has led to significant surveillance of the population.

• Over 300 people have been arrested under this law, greatly limiting political dissent.

• There is a widespread climate of fear, resulting in self-censorship among academics and the public.

[RSnake: It’s not a surprise. The Chinese people were never free, and they allowed the walls of the panopticon to be built around them. It’s going to be a lot more than 300 people in reality. It’s just that many people have been found. I bet it is thousands or maybe even up to millions of people over the last decade across China.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87p97w72exo

President Donald Trump's leadership style has generated controversy, with an emphasis on loyalty and a public denouncement of those who dissent. His approach to international relations, particularly with Ukraine and Russia, has been criticized for isolationism, while domestic policies have raised concerns about accountability and public trust in governance. Additionally, warnings from allied countries about traveling to the U.S. reflect a significant shift in America's global perception.

• Trump prioritizes loyalty in leadership, fostering an environment that discourages dissent.

• His foreign policy has led to a deterioration of relationships with allies and a negative perception of the U.S. globally.

• Concerns about accountability and public trust are prominent in his administration's approach to governance.

[RSnake: The travel issue really will affect local economies that rely on tourism. And I am not a huge fan of cronyism, so that doesn’t bode well. That said, I do think we spent too much time playing the nice-guy role on the world stage. We were neither sufficiently scary to our enemies or sufficiently nice enough to them to stop many different conflicts from starting around the world in the last few years.]

Source: https://sofrep.com/?p=215040

US and Chinese officials are preparing for negotiations in Switzerland as trade tensions escalate, resulting in unprecedented tariff levels of 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on US goods. Both nations are locked in a cycle of retaliatory tariffs that have severely impacted their economies.

• US and China are involved in escalating trade tensions with high tariff rates.

• Negotiations are set to take place, but both countries have conflicting demands regarding tariff reductions.

[RSnake: Do we have economic cards yet to play?]

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/how-us-china-tariffs-reached-sky-high-levels-in-3-months/articleshow/121050540.cms

Joe Biden expresses significant concern over the current state of the Atlantic Alliance, particularly with how Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric may undermine global democratic values and support for NATO allies. He warns that the alliance's stability is at risk, which could lead to a dangerous shift in the geopolitical landscape, especially regarding relations with Russia and Ukraine. Biden reflects on the necessity of ongoing commitment to democracy and unity among nations in light of recent political changes.

• Biden fears the Atlantic Alliance is weakening under Trump's influence, which could jeopardize global peace.

• He stresses the importance of consistent democratic leadership to combat authoritarianism.

[RSnake: Of course it is weakening, but I think the real problem is that it was already far too weak under Biden’s regime. Something had to change. For instance, forcing them to start spending to protect their own interests and NATO.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89g491e8ewo

David Perdue has been appointed as the new US Ambassador to China during a period of escalating tensions between the US and China, characterized by a significant tariff war. He is tasked with promoting American interests and addressing issues such as the illegal inflow of fentanyl from China as diplomatic relations continue to strain under economic pressures.

• David Perdue assumes the role of US Ambassador to China amidst a significant tariff war between the two nations.

• He aims to advance American interests and tackle issues such as the inflow of fentanyl into the US.

[RSnake: And the espionage/hacking, and stealing of IP, and deflating their currency, locking us out of their markets, and the Spratly Islands, and… and…]

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/who-is-david-perdue-the-newly-sworn-hawkish-us-ambassador-to-china/articleshow/120980100.cms

A significant cybersecurity threat has emerged as a vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver is being actively exploited by a Chinese threat actor, compromising numerous instances across Fortune 500 companies. Exploitation of this zero-day flaw allows unauthorized file uploads, enabling attackers to gain remote code execution and control over systems.

• The CVE-2025-31324 vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver allows unauthenticated attackers to upload malicious files.

• Chinese threat actor Chaya_004 is linked to the ongoing attacks using infrastructure hosted on Chinese cloud providers.

• Immediate action is required from SAP administrators to patch vulnerabilities and secure their systems.

[RSnake: Speaking of China…]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/chinese-hackers-behind-attacks-targeting-sap-netweaver-servers/

The FBI is investigating approximately 250 subjects linked to violent online networks that exploit minors, employing manipulation and coercion through popular digital platforms. These networks threaten and blackmail their victims into engaging in self-harm, animal cruelty, and the creation of explicit content, with recent operations leading to the arrest of 205 child-sex predators and the rescue of 115 children.

• The FBI has opened investigations into online networks targeting vulnerable minors.

• Recent enforcement actions have led to significant arrests and the rescue of children from exploitation.

[RSnake: Gross. The Internet is Gross. Keep your kids off of it unless supervised as long as you can help it until they have the mental tools to process how to manage it.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/fbi-has-launched-250-probes-tied-online-networks-prey-minors

Meta has won nearly $168 million in damages from NSO Group, an Israeli cyber-intelligence company, after a 2019 attack targeting 1,400 devices with spyware. The vulnerability was exploited through WhatsApp's systems, allowing the spyware to be installed on devices without user knowledge or authorization. Meta argued that NSO had exploited the vulnerability to deliver the Pegasus spyware to 1,400 users.

• NSO Group targeted 1,400 cellular devices with spyware through a zero-day vulnerability in WhatsApp's systems.

• Meta won nearly $168 million in damages from NSO Group after a 2019 attack targeting 1,400 devices.

[RSnake: Wow! Nice win on that one. And good for them. Not like I root for Meta all that often, but this was a good line in the sand. More on it here.]

Source: https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/meta-wins-lawsuit-spyware-vendor-nso

A critical vulnerability in Cisco's IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers has been discovered, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to potentially take control of affected devices. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-20188, has a maximum severity rating and may be exploited when a specific feature is enabled, which is typically disabled by default. Cisco has issued security updates to address the vulnerability and advises administrators to apply them promptly, as threat actors are likely to begin scanning for vulnerable devices immediately.

• Cisco's IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers has a severe vulnerability allowing device takeover.

• Administrators are urged to update their systems due to the potential risk of exploitation.

[RSnake: These external devices are getting more and more dangerous. I think they always were, but the stakes are higher now.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisco-fixes-max-severity-ios-xe-flaw-letting-attackers-hijack-devices/

U.S. prosecutors have charged four individuals for operating a botnet built from hacked internet-connected devices, particularly targeting vulnerable wireless routers. Law enforcement agencies have seized websites related to this illegal operation, which reportedly generated over $46 million by providing malicious proxy services, thus facilitating various cybercrimes globally.

• Four individuals were indicted for running a botnet that hacked thousands of internet-connected devices.

• The botnet was used to provide proxy services for cybercriminal activities, generating significant illegal revenue.

[RSnake: Interesting. I was wondering if they would ever catch these guys. There have been a few crews that have done this, and most of them have been untouched.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3005319

A major cyberattack on SK Telecom in South Korea has led to the theft of personal data on 23 million customers, with estimates suggesting up to $5 billion in potential losses if cancellation fees are waived.

• SK Telecom suffered a cyberattack that led to the theft of personal data on approximately 23 million customers.

• The company expects around 2.5 million users to switch to another telecom provider if cancellation fees are waived for affected users.

[RSnake: Wow, that… is bad. Imagine being the insurance company managing that claim.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3004723

The FBI is focusing on operations to remove illegal aliens involved in criminal activities and protect children from predators. FBI leadership has emphasized the importance of these initiatives and plans to ramp up enforcement efforts in the coming weeks.

• The FBI is targeting dangerous illegal aliens and child predators as part of its ongoing crackdown efforts.

• The agency's new initiative, 'Operation Restoring Justice,' aims to protect children from sexual exploitation.

[RSnake: Good. The fact that this is news should speak volumes about their priorities to date. Yes, also terrorism, fine, but this should have always been a high priority.]

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbi-deputy-director-bongino-illegal-alien-criminals-child-predators-next-ongoing-crackdown

VicOne has released a new automotive threat intelligence platform called xAurient, which provides early threat intelligence to automakers and suppliers to help them respond to emerging threats and protect their products.

• xAurient is a cloud-based platform that draws data from thousands of dark-web sources, including TOR/Onion sites, to provide on-demand threat research services for efficient protection.

• The platform integrates with automakers' intrusion detection systems, vehicle management systems, and security operations centers to streamline threat response and reduce human workload.

[RSnake: A few years back, I did some analysis on this market. There are well over 100 OSINT companies out there. Over 100! Why do we need another?]

Source: https://thereadable.co/vicones-new-xaurient-automotive-threat-intelligence-platform-enables-dramatically-streamlined-and-tailored-threat-response/

Pope Leo XIV recently emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence as a crucial issue for humanity, calling for protection of human dignity and justice in light of technological advancements. This echoes the concerns previously raised by the late Pope Francis regarding the unchecked development of AI, and highlights a growing urgency from both religious leaders and the scientific community on the necessity of establishing global safety measures for artificial intelligence. Physicist Max Tegmark has proposed rigorous risk assessments for AI development akin to those conducted before the atomic bomb tests, indicating a potential existential threat from advanced AI systems.

• Pope Leo XIV identifies AI as a critical issue for humanity and calls for a focus on human dignity.

• Scientists, including MIT's Max Tegmark, emphasize the need for rigorous safety assessments of AI similar to those for nuclear weapons.

[RSnake: Okay…? Glad it got a nod from the Pope, but there is no action item.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/pope-leo-warns-over-ai-mit-researcher-finds-90-probability-existential-threat

Huawei is actively advancing its AI processor technology to compete with Nvidia, specifically focusing on the launch of the Ascend 910 D chip. The company is aiming to create a self-sufficient AI hardware ecosystem in China amidst U.S. technology export controls, while Nvidia is experiencing a significant decline in its market presence in China. Additionally, China is making strides in semiconductor research, leading to predictions that it may soon surpass U.S. capabilities in chip manufacturing.

• Huawei is set to release a powerful AI processor, the Ascend 910 D, to rival Nvidia's H100.

• The Chinese tech industry aims for self-sufficiency in AI technology amid U.S. export restrictions, impacting Nvidia's market share.

• China leads in semiconductor research, potentially overtaking U.S. manufacturing capabilities within the next couple of years.

[RSnake: Watch out - this is a race, and they want to win it.]

Source: https://geopolitics.co/?p=77130

The U.S. semiconductor industry is experiencing significant changes, including layoffs at Intel and proposals for new export regulations on AI chips. Additionally, former President Trump's administration is considering a different path for chip export controls, which may impact the competitive landscape in the semiconductor sector.

• The U.S. semiconductor market is undergoing restructuring with major layoffs announced at Intel.

• New regulations on AI chip exports are being proposed, influencing the industry's competitive dynamics.

[RSnake: That’s not great news. We need more chip manufacturing here in the US, not less. So yes, Trump should find a way to make that happen if possible.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3005295

Amazon is offering significant discounts on the 2025 MacBook Air, lowering the price of the 256GB/16GB model to $849, a 15% reduction from its typical price of $999. This price drop is notable given Apple's historically strict pricing strategies and the fact that the device has been selling well at full price. The MacBook Air features advanced technology such as the M4 chip, improving performance in various tasks, from productivity to light gaming.

• Amazon is selling the 2025 MacBook Air at a record-low price of $849.

• The MacBook Air features the new M4 chip, enhancing performance significantly.

• Apple maintains strict pricing, making the discount from Amazon particularly noteworthy.

[RSnake: That’s a pretty good deal minus the size of the disc. How any modern computer of that performance level ships with that low amount of disc is really a mystery. I regularly have to remove all kinds of things from my computer to save space. AI has all but guaranteed I will never have enough space for all that I want to index/keep.]

Source: https://gizmodo.com/?p=2000600476

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot app founded by High-Flyer Capital Management, has gained traction rapidly, surpassing 16.5 million visits in March 2025 despite a drop in traffic. The company's models, particularly the DeepSeek-V3 and R1 reasoning model, have been noted for their performance and competitiveness against established models but are subject to censorship regulations imposed by the Chinese government. In response to its growth, the U.S. government is considering a ban on DeepSeek's products for government devices due to potential data security and propaganda risks.

• DeepSeek has rapidly gained popularity, surpassing 16.5 million visits in March 2025.

• DeepSeek's AI models are impactful but face censorship from the Chinese government and scrutiny from U.S. authorities.

[RSnake: Speaking of the Chinese and things we should be talking to them about… do not use DeepSeek. Not only will it fill your results with pro-Chinese lies, but if you use the online one, China now has your secrets and can train on them.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2953864

Google has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle two privacy lawsuits brought by the Texas attorney general, who accused the company of violating state privacy laws related to location tracking and facial recognition data collection. This settlement follows a similar agreement Meta made with Texas regarding facial tagging practices, reflecting ongoing tensions between tech companies and state regulators over privacy issues and biometric data usage.

• Google's settlement is part of a broader trend of legal challenges faced by tech giants regarding privacy violations.

• The settlements underscore the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by companies like Google and Meta pertaining to data privacy laws.

[RSnake: Good. Ken Paxton really did put the screws to them. I was not involved in this case, but I got a glimpse of some of their ideas from the periphery, and they really are after them. In part, I think, because they try to put their fingers on the scales during the elections by censoring content, funding Democratic campaigns, and lobbying Democrats. If they stayed out of it, I think Ken Paxton would leave them alone. It’s a $1.4BN lesson, and they lost the election anyway. Not a good outcome. More on it here.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/technology/google-texas-privacy-settlement.html

Amazon has introduced a new robot called Vulcan that can pick and stow items in fulfillment centers, utilizing advanced AI to sense the size and shape of products. The company plans to deploy Vulcan in the U.S. and Europe over the next few years, with the goal of enhancing warehouse efficiency while still maintaining human roles for installation and maintenance.

• Vulcan robot can pick and stow 75% of items in fulfillment centers.

• Amazon has invested $1.2 billion to upskill employees for automation.

[RSnake: We will see a change in what things are even suitable for blue-collar workers in the future. My guess is not much. Check out the gifs here.]

Source: https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/41736-amazon-unveils-robot-that-can-pick-and-stow-items-by-touch

U.S. container imports are projected to experience a historic decline, with a year-over-year drop expected due to newly imposed tariffs on trading partners. The tariffs include a substantial increase on imports from China, and cargo volumes at major ports are forecasted to fall significantly into the second half of 2025, leading to reduced business activity and potential impacts on consumer prices and product availability.

• U.S. tariffs are causing a rapid decline in container import volumes.

• Significant reductions in cargo volumes are expected, affecting the supply chain and consumer pricing.

[RSnake: Yep, as will spending. But since tariffs are on the rise, it may even out. My hope is that people save more this year, reducing their debt and focusing on building nest eggs. If we can get inflation in check, a devaluation of the dollar leads to more treasuries being bought, and the Fed lowering rates so people can get debt cheaper… this might turn out okay. Might!]

Source: https://gcaptain.com/?p=227285

Donald Trump has launched a cryptocurrency, TrumpCoin, which has attracted significant investment and promises buyers access to exclusive events, including private dinners with him. This development raises potential conflicts of interest, as funds generated could substantially enrich Trump and his family while he remains in office, with scrutiny surrounding the legality and ethical implications of these financial activities. The implications of this venture extend to how foreign investments might influence U.S. policy and governance.

• TrumpCoin was launched to monetize access to the president through private investor dinners.

• This venture raises concerns about conflicts of interest and foreign investments potentially influencing U.S. governance.

• The Trump family stands to significantly benefit financially from Trump's current presidential activities and cryptocurrency operations.

[RSnake: I did hear a rumor that Dubai/Saudi Arabia has purchased a lot of that coin.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/uncanny-valley-podcast-trump-cryptocurrency/

Economic indicators are suggesting that the U.S. may be heading towards a recession this summer, marked by empty retail shelves, increased for-lease signs, and job layoffs. The consumer retail economy, which makes up 70% of the GDP, is facing potential damage due to prolonged shipping times from Asia and ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods.

• U.S. retail economy is showing signs of distress with empty shelves and for-lease signs.

• Job layoffs are increasing, contributing to recession fears.

• Shipping delays and tariffs are impacting consumer goods availability.

[RSnake: It is entirely possible. A lot of smaller retailers are going to get hit. Of course, the ultra-wealthy will see this as a buying/building opportunity, if they can trust the market enough to get out of commodities like gold and into more speculative things like business.]

Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/empty-shelves-for-lease-signs-and-job-layoffs-point-to-recession-by-summer-697ff68b?mod=mw_rss_topstories

Donald Trump has threatened Mattel with a 100% tariff due to the company's decision to continue offshore manufacturing despite reducing reliance on Chinese imports. This has raised concerns within the toy industry as most global toy production is based in China and the trade policies could disrupt the market, prompting warnings from industry leaders about potential price increases.

• Trump's trade policy could impact the toy industry significantly.

• Mattel's ongoing offshore production raises challenges related to tariffs and market accessibility.

[RSnake: Interesting. I am not a fan of one-off tariffs like this. It’s overly punitive, and the government should stay out of the business of business if it can.]

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/beautiful-baby-girls-dont-need-30-barbies-trump-threatens-100-tariff-on-toy-manufacturer-mattel/articleshow/121064007.cms

Chinese companies are relocating manufacturing to Vietnam in response to high U.S. tariffs on exports from China. This shift is accelerating as factories seek to maintain trade flow, with many Chinese businesses forming partnerships in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Orders from the U.S. are declining while exports to Southeast Asia are increasing, prompting a rapid adaptation in manufacturing strategies.

• Chinese manufacturers are moving operations to Vietnam to avoid significant tariffs imposed by the U.S.

• Vietnam is becoming a key destination for Chinese companies looking for manufacturing alternatives.

[RSnake: If there is a way to skirt the rules, great. In that case, the US should add more tariffs to Vietnam. The statement being, not only will we tariff you, but your “friends” will start regretting working with you.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/10/business/trump-tariffs-vietnam-china.html

Tesla has been denied trademarks for the terms 'Robotaxi' and 'Cybercab' by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Companies in the electric vehicle industry are experiencing challenges due to tariffs and economic uncertainty, impacting their production forecasts and market strategies.

• Tesla's trademark applications were rejected due to them being deemed too generic.

• Tariffs and economic changes are affecting production and sales forecasts for various automakers.

[RSnake: I tend to agree; besides, there are plenty of other cool names they could pick. Xcab for starters.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3005274