RSnake Report 20250817

Hello, and thanks for reading! It was a return-to-work week after Blackhat, and so I am largely catching up on work and sleep, and nursing my liver back to health. The major drama from the conference happened after it was over. It was reported that the executive director of Israel's National Cyber Directorate, Tom Alexandrovich, was arrested in Las Vegas as part of a child predator ring sting operation. The individual, who works directly under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was allowed to return to Israel following the arrest. There are so many weird details about this case, but perhaps the weirdest is that the Trump administration allegedly both orchestrated the bust and also let him go. In light of the Epstein files, it seems extremely odd that the administration would be soft on any matters of child exploitation purely for optics reasons. But either way, it’s another unforced scandal, and the optics are terrible. 🤮 

Switching to Russia/Ukraine news, it doesn’t look like the peace meeting between Trump and Putin went anywhere. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it abundantly clear that Ukraine will not be relinquishing control of Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire. His unwavering stance means there are precious few options left.

The prospects for a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine appear increasingly dim, but for one reason that hasn’t been widely discussed: Russian law. The Russian Constitution, specifically Article 67(2.1), effectively designates Kherson, Zaporozhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk as integral parts of Russia, as well as Crimea. It effectively prevents even President Putin from negotiating a peace treaty that would leave these regions under Ukrainian control, as long as Ukrainian forces remain on what Russia considers its territory. While most of those oblasts weren’t mentioned in 2020, they were added in a referendum in 2022. It’s not even clear how he gets around this while staying true to the spirit of the law. Putin either recognizes that the referendum was not legal or breaks his own law. Here is an English translation:

The Ukrainian military has been making significant strides north of Pokrovsk, effectively dismantling a Russian battle group. This latest incursion by Russian forces was met with a robust response from the Ukrainian side, resulting in the liberation of substantial territories. The 93rd Mechanized Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, and the 1st Corps (Azov) played crucial roles in this successful offensive, encircling and neutralizing elements of the Russian 132nd Brigade at Kucheriv Yar.

Continuing their momentum at Pokrovsk, the 1st Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine has been pushing Russian troops back, debunking the idea of a sustained Russian "breakthrough." One of the videos I saw on this was pretty interesting. It was of robotic machine gun advances into a town. Talk about a nightmare. These wheeled ground forces drove in and took out positions from close range without fearing for their safety because the operators were at a safe distance. Imagine fighting robots. We’re here, folks. It’s here. Now.

A catastrophic explosion at the Elastic gunpowder plant in Russia's Ryazan region has left a trail of destruction and caused five fatalities and at least 100 injuries, reportedly. This is exactly the kind of thing you would expect when safety isn’t prioritized over profits and corruption. The blast, which obliterated the workshop where it originated, was preliminarily attributed to a violation of safety regulations, not Ukrainian intervention.

Speaking of incompetence, Russia's Volgograd oil refinery, one of the largest in the country, has suffered yet another explosion, this time during repairs from previous drone strikes. The incident, which occurred during welding operations, shows the challenges faced by Russian authorities in maintaining and restoring damaged energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict. It also shows that there is another variable when trying to sustain a certain level of oil production. It’s not just the attacker’s ability to inflict damage, but also the nation’s inability to repair the damage.

Ukrainian forces have successfully struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia, dealing another blow to the country's energy infrastructure. The attack appears to have compromised one of the refinery's fluid catalytic cracking units (FCC), the heart of the facility. Despite Russian attempts to protect the FCC with an exoskeleton-like shield, the drone strike proved effective, demonstrating the growing sophistication of Ukrainian military operations. Just shows how these exoskeletal designs aren’t going to be strong enough without really considering the enemy’s ability to smash through them.

In a blow to Russia’s Shahed production capabilities, a drone attack on a Russian vessel carrying Shahed parts and other ammunition has destroyed crucial military supplies. The successful execution of this operation required high-quality intelligence to pinpoint the vessel's location and timing, as well as the ability to penetrate the port's air defense systems. The vessel, built in 2014, was likely destroyed in the attack, which is exacerbated by Israel’s hampering of Iran's ability to renew production of these critical components. That means fewer Shaheds will be available to Russia for use against Ukraine.

Despite Vladimir Putin's apparent willingness to continue the war in Ukraine indefinitely, Russian soldiers on the front lines are growing increasingly disillusioned with the prospect of a decisive victory. An impromptu online poll of a pro-Kremlin Telegram group suggests that a significant majority of frontline troops, by a ratio of 3 to 1, are opposed to fighting on until the bitter end. This growing sentiment among the rank and file could pose a challenge to Putin's strategy, as morale and willingness to engage in combat are crucial factors in the success of any military campaign.

In European news, Lithuania is taking decisive steps to fortify its borders, transitioning from individual counter-mobility measures to a comprehensive 3-echelon defense line. This strategic shift aims to provide greater depth, enhanced control, and seamless integration with NATO and EU defense systems along its frontier. The move reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust border security in the face of regional tensions and potential threats. It really feels like we are moving further from peace between Europe/the US, and Russia. This is exactly what China hopes for if they are to invade Taiwan.

Speaking of which, in Southeast Asia news, former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that China would not invade Taiwan during his presidency. Now, Xi has every reason in the world to lie about this, but if he isn’t lying, it would mean a delay by a year, so instead of 2027, it would be 2028 and more realistically 2029 when Trump leaves office and the seas are calm enough to cross over to Taiwan. Xi might also be realizing he has a weaker economic hand than he realized, so he would like a more moderate candidate in the White House who won’t smash his economy and use the time to bolster his military while also allowing the US to build up a semiconductor manufacturing base to limit our interests in Taiwan and eagerness to interdict. It’s all speculation, though.

However, the Chinese are clearly not the sea-faring professionals they aim to be and will need to be in a real conflict. Chinese military vessel has rammed another Chinese ship by mistake in the West Philippine Sea. The incident, which occurred while the China Coast Guard vessel (CCG-3104) was attempting to chase and corner a Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat near Bajo de Masinloc, resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel, rendering it unseaworthy. he collision also caused significant damage to the Type 052D Destroyer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (DDG-164), with footage revealing a large hole in its forward port side. The incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region and the potential for miscalculations to lead to unintended consequences. The footage shows significant damage to the focsle of CCG-3104, as well as the large hole in the forward port side of DDG-164. Of course, this is a huge black eye for the Chinese, who immediately buried the story and refused help from the Philippines.

Taiwan is taking proactive steps to bolster its coastal defenses against potential aggression from the Chinese mainland. The island nation has developed a family of drones specifically designed to strike PLA boats and amphibious armored vehicles in coastal waters. These drones, which include a plywood fixed-wing strike UAV, a fiber-optic FPV, and a multirotor bomber, represent a significant advancement in Taiwan's defensive capabilities. By investing in these innovative technologies, Taiwan is signaling its determination to protect its sovereignty and deter any attempts at military coercion from across the Strait, while augmenting the traditional coastal defense design of using hardened, yet immobile bunkers. This would make it extremely costly for China to land on Taiwan safely.

In a move that signals a shift in investment strategy, Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, is reportedly selling off its Chinese stocks. This shows growing concerns about the Chinese market and the potential for increased regulatory scrutiny. I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if this starts to trigger a slow but larger collapse of the Chinese market, which is already feeble.

In North America news new company called Sentradel, is moving into the counter-drone industry with its innovative approach to neutralizing unmanned aerial threats. The company is developing a system that utilizes small arms to engage drones at close range, providing a cost-effective and adaptable solution for protecting critical infrastructure and personnel. It’s cheap and effective, but it’s also a close-range option. You’d need overlapping defenses to make this a reliable solution.

Subpoenas have been issued to several high-profile politicians, requiring them to testify before Congress. The list of individuals summoned includes Hillary Clinton (October 9), Bill Clinton (October 14), Merrick Garland (October 2), James Comey (October 7), William Barr (August 18), Alberto Gonzales (August 26), Jeff Sessions (August 28), Director Robert Mueller (September 2), Loretta Lynch (September 9), and Eric Holder (September 30). These subpoenas signal a ramping up of efforts to hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions and to shed light on potential wrongdoing at the highest levels of government, though William Barr is an interesting choice for a first witness, because of his staunch support for Trump. It’s not clear what his testimony will uncover that the Trump administration doesn’t already know or can’t already publish.

In Tech News, the recent compromise of a DPRK IT worker's device has provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of North Korean hackers and their tactics for obtaining blockchain jobs. The unnamed source revealed that a small team of five IT workers operated over 30 fake identities, complete with government-issued IDs and purchased accounts on platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn. These individuals used VPNs, Google Translate, and deception to secure developer positions at various projects. It’s an interesting thread, and worth looking at if you use Upwork. Nor those who don’t know, I did use Upwork once, and the work-product returned to me had a backdoor put into it. To be wary of the work you get from these people, who seem to be high-quality labor. It also shows the extent to which they’re interested in creating backdoors into blockchain tech to finance their country. North Korean hackers have stolen untold billions.

Okay, onto the articles!

The global nuclear landscape is increasingly tense as the United States and Russia edge closer to conflict amidst a potential new arms race. China is also expanding its nuclear arsenal rapidly, adding a third significant player to the existing dynamics between the US and Russia, which raises the risk of nuclear confrontation.

• The US and Russia are potentially entering a new nuclear arms race.

• China is expanding its nuclear capabilities at a rapid pace.

[RSnake: I never really understood why China felt the need for such a large arsenal. They surely don’t intend to win a first strike, and their secondary strike still wouldn’t have nearly the effect as ours. They have around 600, and we have over 5,000. o what is the point?]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/business-of-war/2025/8/16/a-hundred-hiroshimas?traffic_source=rss

Gaza City is experiencing displacement and destruction due to ongoing Israeli military operations, with reports indicating extensive damage to infrastructure and rising fatalities from malnutrition. Israeli plans include the displacement of residents to southern camps, while protests against government actions are occurring within Israel. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with a large portion of Gaza's population lacking access to essential resources.

• Gaza City is facing catastrophic conditions due to relentless Israeli bombardment.

• At least 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced amid severe shortages of food and medical supplies.

[RSnake: I think this displacement is likely to happen soon enough. I heard a theory that they may be heading to southern Yemen, alongside the Houthis. Wherever they’re heading, ideally, they’d be far enough that a layered missile defense would be even more effective at limiting small rockets.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2018wx3zlgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Talks in Alaska between the US and Russia ended without any agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia maintains its demands over Ukrainian territories and language status, while the US is repositioning military assets in response to threats, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with Russian troops making territorial advances before potential peace discussions.

• Russia continues to demand territorial concessions and special status for the Russian language in Ukraine.

• The US has repositioned nuclear submarines in response to escalating tensions due to the conflict.

• Russia has made significant gains in eastern Ukraine ahead of upcoming peace negotiations.

[RSnake: Pretty awful outcome for Trump, but at the same time, I think it did solidify the US stance.]

Source: https://euromaidanpress.com/?p=355255

US First Lady Melania Trump delivered a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing child deportations during the ongoing war, with Ukraine documenting over 19,000 children illegally removed from their territories.

• Ukraine has documented over 19,000 children illegally removed from their territories, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russia's children's commissioner.

• Russia claims it protects vulnerable children from war zones, but critics argue that many deported children have had their identities changed and been subjected to abuse by Russian families.

[RSnake: It’s a nice gesture, but it’s unlikely to have any effect at all, sadly.]

Source: https://euromaidanpress.com/?p=355193

China has unveiled a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone powered by a jet engine, capable of operating from various naval vessels, which could significantly extend the operational reach of the Chinese navy. This development represents a potential shift in maritime warfare tactics and could enhance China's military capabilities in regional conflicts, particularly concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea.

• China's new VTOL drone can turn any ship into a strike platform, enhancing its naval capabilities.

• The drone could influence regional security dynamics, especially in potential conflicts involving Taiwan.

[RSnake: I haven’t seen a video of the VTOL yet, just some grainy pics of its sleek airframe. But the article is correct that if such a thing exists, it would greatly increase the practical utility of vessels that have a large enough deck to allow for the airframes to take off and land.]

Source: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/?p=250323

China is pursuing an aggressive total war strategy against the US that leverages next-generation weapons and irregular warfare tools, including bioweapons, nanoweapons, and psychological manipulation.

• The CCP has been pursuing an aggressive, multifaceted total war against the US that leverages next-generation weapons, including synthetic narcotics, bioweapons, psychological manipulation, and irregular warfare tools.

• The CCP's total war strategy involves convergent WMD programs, academic subversion, and non-kinetic shifts, mainly through the exploitation of Western openness in academia, technology, and media to erode US advantages without direct kinetic conflict.

[RSnake: And so many other things. Unrestricted Warfare is an old book, but a pretty good idea of how the generals over in the CCP are thinking about us and their capabilities.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/chinas-assassins-mace-irregular-warfare-campaign-may-render-trumps-golden-dome-useless

Representative Delia Ramirez is facing criticism for her response to a question about what it means to be an American, with some arguing that she has conditional loyalty to Guatemala rather than the US. The question was part of a discussion on colonialism and reparations. Congresswoman Ramirez stated that being an American means recognizing the good and bad of the country's formation and acknowledging past evils.

• Representative Delia Ramirez is facing criticism for her response to a question about what it means to be an American.

• Some argue that she has a conditional loyalty to Guatemala, rather than the US, while others contend that she has no right to claim citizenship in the first place.

• The conversation surrounding colonialism and reparations highlights deeper issues of identity and loyalty among immigrants and citizens.

[RSnake: I am a little wary of throwing the baby out with the bathwater here. I do think multiculturalism has a huge impact on everything, from food to dance, to ideas, to language, to decor, and all kinds of things. If we get totally homogeneous, we’ll lose some of that. While it’s not great to want our country to be like other countries, it’s also not sensible to think we don’t have things to learn from other national experiments. And yes, the US has made mistakes that are worthy of note.]

Source: https://www.dailywire.com/news/what-is-an-american-not-delia-ramirez

Over 20 Baha'i members in Iran have had their homes, assets, and vehicles confiscated under Article 49 of the constitution, which allows authorities to confiscate wealth obtained through illegal means without evidence or transparency. The seizures are part of a long-running pattern of property seizures against Baha'is since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Baha'i families face blocked bank accounts, frozen business transaction,s and restrictions on selling or transferring property.

• Baha'i community in Iran has faced systematic repression over the past five years, including at least 284 arrests and 1,495 years in combined prison sentences.

• Baha'is account for an average of 72% of all recorded violations against religious minorities in Iran over the past three years.

[RSnake: Not entirely surprising that Iran is running low on cash and needs to steal from its people.]

Source: https://www.iranintl.com/en/202508159303

Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong, is currently undergoing a national security trial that has been postponed due to health issues and weather conditions. Lai, detained since December 2020, faces life imprisonment if convicted, with international attention focused on his case amid ongoing concerns about the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong under a new security law implemented by Beijing.

• Jimmy Lai is on trial for colluding with foreign forces under China's national security law.

• His case highlights the broader implications for political dissent and legal rights in Hong Kong.

[RSnake: Make no mistake, China is a communist authoritarian nightmare for anyone who is a free thinker.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm2z7497yko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

The United States is developing a $175 billion multi-layered missile defense system called Golden Dome, which aims to protect the US homeland from ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, as well as other advanced aerial threats.

• The Golden Dome system will have four layers: one space-based and three land-based layers, including a constellation of satellites for missile warning, tracking, and interception, focusing on boost-phase intercepts.

• The system aims to integrate existing missile defense technologies with new innovations, creating a multi-layered defense architecture to intercept threats at various stages of flight, including the boost phase, midcourse, and terminal phases.

[RSnake: Now’s the time. It’s not like countries aren’t looking at what happened in Iran and Yemen against Israel and thinking that ballistic missiles and missile defense are a wise investment.]

Source: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/?p=250202

Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation, faces imminent relocation of its population due to rising sea levels that threaten its habitability by mid-century. With sea levels around the islands increasing by 15 centimeters over the past 30 years, Tuvalu is considering becoming the first fully digital nation to preserve its culture and sovereignty as it confronts severe infrastructure, freshwater, and economic challenges.

• Tuvalu could become the first country to relocate its entire population due to climate change.

• Rising sea levels threaten the nation's infrastructure, freshwater supply, and economy.

• Tuvalu plans to create a digital replica of its nation to protect cultural landmarks and sovereignty.

[RSnake: Without giving you my opinion on sea rise changes, here is the Wikipedia article on it. That said, do your homework. Either way, it feels like they should get the Saudis to help because they are spectacular at creating artificial land out of the sea floor. China too… with strings attached.]

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/for-the-first-time-in-history-an-entire-country-might-move-its-whole-population-the-reason-will-shock-you/articleshow/123288803.cms

Federal authorities have arrested over 100 people in Washington, D.C., since last Thursday as part of President Trump's violent crime crackdown, involving hundreds of National Guard troops and multiple federal agencies.

• The US government has deployed the National Guard and federalized local police to combat violent crime in Washington, D.C.

[RSnake: And a lot of people started going out to enjoy restaurants as well. So clearly there is a problem that the previous administration ignored or worse, and therefore tacitly encouraged.]

Source: https://www.dailywire.com/news/d-c-will-be-safe-again-feds-kick-off-trumps-violent-crime-crackdown-with-over-100-arrests

NASA is transitioning from building its own relay orbiters and spacecraft to buying connectivity as a service for Mars missions, with major contenders pitching ways to keep data pipes online.

• NASA aims to create an interoperable marketplace where it can be one of many customers, rather than the owner-operator.

• Several companies, including Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, and Sequoia Capital, are pitching solutions for a 'lunar trunkline' between the moon and Earth and end-to-end Mars communications.

[RSnake: Now that SpaceX and competitors are finally in the market, this is much more viable than it used to be. This is really where the government is useful, get the moonshot up and running, but then let private industry take it from there.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3036664

The Air Force has implemented a new policy that mandates the automatic discharge of transgender troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria, removing their ability to appeal through military separation boards. Legal experts and advocacy groups are concerned that this policy undermines impartial evaluation processes in the military and may set a precedent for other military branches to follow.

• The Air Force now requires mandatory separation of airmen with gender dysphoria, eliminating their chance for defense.

• This policy change could influence separation processes across other military branches.

[RSnake: Wow. Interesting. I wonder if this will get re-classified in the DSM-5 as a paraphilia. I’m not holding my breath.]

Source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/08/16/new-air-force-policy-denies-transgender-troops-hearings-theyre-discharged.html

Haiti is facing a severe political and security crisis marked by the expansion of gang influence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The newly appointed interim leader, Laurent Saint-Cyr, is tasked with navigating this turmoil, as more than 1.3 million people have been displaced and the country struggles with acute food insecurity. International efforts to stabilize the situation continue, including a potential $1.4 billion aid initiative from the Organization of American States.

• Laurent Saint-Cyr has been inaugurated as Haiti's new interim leader amid ongoing gang violence and political instability.

• Over 1.3 million Haitians are internally displaced due to the deteriorating security situation.

[RSnake: It’s a real shame, and shows the difference in governments between it and the Dominican Republic, which occupy the same island, and how much policy matters.]

Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/?p=1203325

Accenture acquires CyberCX to expand cybersecurity capabilities in the Asia Pacific, bolstering its position in the region and enhancing its ability to build business resilience and protect critical infrastructure.

• Accenture will acquire CyberCX's approximately 1,400 skilled cybersecurity professionals and AI-powered security platforms.

• The acquisition represents Accenture’s largest cybersecurity acquisition to date and will further expand Accenture’s leading position in the Asia Pacific region.

[RSnake: More investments in AI… but, interestingly, Accenture wants to be investing in that region at the moment, all things considered.]

Source: https://thereadable.co/accenture-to-acquire-cybercx-expanding-cybersecurity-capabilities-in-asia-pacific/

ICE inadvertently exposed details of a manhunt in real-time by adding a random person to a group chat, revealing data from DMV and license plate readers.

• ICE used DMV and license plate reader data to find a target, and an unredacted ICE worksheet was shared in the group chat.

• The incident is a significant data breach and operational security failure for ICE.

[RSnake: Whoops. This is why I don’t like the idea of government employees using civilian apps or even civilian phones while on duty. Just too easy to make mistakes or get compromised.]

Source: https://www.404media.co/ice-adds-random-person-to-group-chat-exposes-details-of-manhunt-in-real-time/

Fortinet has identified a critical remote command execution vulnerability in its FortiSIEM products, with exploit code already available in the wild. Organizations using affected versions of FortiSIEM are urged to apply security updates immediately, as the flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute commands. The vulnerability, designated CVE-2025-25256, has a high CVSS rating of 9.8, indicating severe risk for various sectors, including government and healthcare.

• Fortinet's FortiSIEM has a critical flaw allowing unauthorized command execution.

• Exploit code for this flaw exists in the wild, necessitating immediate action from organizations.

[RSnake: You know, other than the year in the CVE, you couldn’t tell what year this report came from. Now, is anyone still using Internet-exposed Fortinet devices at this point?]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fortinet-warns-of-fortisiem-pre-auth-rce-flaw-with-exploit-in-the-wild/

Cisco has announced a critical remote code execution vulnerability in its Secure Firewall Management Center software, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands due to improper input handling during the authentication process. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-20265, has a severity score of 10 out of 10, prompting Cisco to release patches and recommend alternative authentication methods for affected users. Additionally, Cisco addressed multiple other high-severity flaws across its product range.

• Cisco disclosed a critical RCE vulnerability in its Secure Firewall Management Center.

• The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote command execution due to improper input handling.

• Cisco recommends immediate patching or alternative authentication methods for affected users.

[RSnake: Cisco is better than Fortinet, but really, these issues have got to start getting dealt with much earlier, and before they are used in the wild.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisco-warns-of-max-severity-flaw-in-firewall-management-center/

Recent studies reveal that cybercriminal groups are exploiting brokerage services by using sophisticated phishing kits to manipulate stock prices through a new scheme called 'ramp and dump.' These fraudsters utilize multiple compromised accounts to buy large volumes of targeted stocks, inflating their prices before selling, resulting in substantial losses for unsuspecting investors. This activity highlights vulnerabilities in the multi-factor authentication processes of brokerage platforms, which are increasingly being targeted due to their reduced security amid evolving phishing tactics.

• Cybercriminals are shifting focus to manipulating stock prices through compromised brokerage accounts.

• The new 'ramp and dump' scheme exploits vulnerabilities in multi-factor authentication systems of brokerage firms.

[RSnake: Impressive. This typically requires a substantial number of shares to produce any noticeable market movement. However, it is a nice way to conceal the real trades because they are often overshadowed by the noise of many buyers and sellers in a market. I know small traders who have tried something similar with tons of brokerage accounts and penny stocks.]

Source: https://krebsonsecurity.com/?p=71895

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks, leading to potential threats to patient health and data security. A new framework for a hierarchical intrusion detection system (IDS) has been proposed to effectively detect zero-day attacks within these networks, with experimental results showing high accuracy in identifying threats. This advancement aims to enhance security in resource-constrained environments where traditional IDS solutions have limitations.

• A hierarchical IDS framework is designed to detect zero-day attacks in Internet of Medical Things networks.

• The proposed solution achieves a detection accuracy of 99.77% and an F1-score of 97.8%, demonstrating its high applicability in IoMT environments.

[RSnake: It does make sense as a cyber ransom - do what I say or I’ll kill a bunch of your company’s customers. of… imagine that press release.]

Source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.10346

Wyoming and South Dakota are expanding age verification laws, applying them to a broader range of websites beyond just porn sites.

• Age verification laws in Wyoming and South Dakota do not include the 33.3% provision that most other states have adopted, potentially requiring more websites to implement age verification measures.

• The laws could create civil and criminal liability for social media platforms, retailers, streaming services, and other platforms hosting adult content or material deemed harmful to minors without adequate age verification measures in place.

[RSnake: I don’t see how this works unless everyone does it all at once. If even one corner of the Internet doesn’t care and doesn’t limit access, all porn will head there, and so will the people who want to see it.]

Source: https://www.404media.co/wyoming-and-south-dakota-age-verification-laws/

AI chatbots are being used for therapy and mental health support, but experts say they can be dangerous due to privacy concerns and the lack of regulation.

• The American Psychological Association (APA) has expressed concern about AI chatbot companies using their claims to pass themselves off as trained mental health providers.

• Chatbots have no legal obligation to protect user information, making them vulnerable to data breaches and potential harm to vulnerable individuals.

[RSnake: Yep, these are not licensed, hallucinate, give bad advice, and disobey HIPAA.]

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-ai-therapy-can-be-so-dangerous/

OpenAI staffers plan to sell $6 billion in stock to SoftBank and other investors, valuing the company at $300 billion, as the AI industry experiences a high-stakes talent war.

• OpenAI employees can sell shares worth $500 billion, making it the world's most valuable startup.

• The sale comes after OpenAI secured $8.3 billion from investors and expects revenue to triple this year to $12.7 billion.

[RSnake: Weirdest nonprofit ever.]

Source: https://fortune.com/2025/08/16/openai-staffers-6-billion-secondary-stock-sale-softbank-thrive-capital-dragoneer/

Discoveries from the James Webb Telescope are challenging our understanding of the universe, including its expansion rate, galaxy formation, and the nature of dark matter.

• The James Webb Telescope has made groundbreaking discoveries that contradict our current understanding of the universe, including its expansion rate, galaxy formation, and the nature of dark matter.

• These findings have sparked a wave of bold new theories, revisions to textbooks, and a renewed debate about fundamental physics and cosmology.

[RSnake: The synopsis sucks, but the article goes into a bunch of different things that James Webb has found so far. I saw it before it went into space, so it has a special place in my heart.]

Source: https://thenextweb.com/news/james-webb-telescope-discoveries-european-tech

Apple has effectively abandoned its original vision for the iPad, turning it into a full-blown multitasking, window-wrangling computer that can now replace a Mac for many users.

• Apple has turned the iPad into a full-blown multitasking, window-wrangling computer with iPadOS 26.

• The new operating system brings features like modern multitasking, windowing, and external display support, making it more like a Mac than ever before.

[RSnake: It’s coming this fall, but for those of you who use it, you might find that it is a laptop replacement or certainly reduces the need for a laptop. So, if you prefer a beefy desktop most of the time but want something super portable, you could theoretically use an iPad. I don’t think devs will go this path unless they can VPN back into their main desktop for terminal access.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-finally-destroyed-steve-jobss-vision-of-the-ipad-good/

Senator Josh Hawley is launching an investigation into Meta after a leaked internal document suggested that the company's AI chatbots were designed to engage in questionable conversations with children. The senator has requested documentation from Meta regarding their AI content standards and the specific individuals involved in these decisions, amid widespread public disapproval of the findings.

• Sen. Josh Hawley is investigating Meta's AI policies concerning interactions with children.

• The investigation follows the leak of a document revealing inappropriate chatbot behaviors sanctioned by Meta's legal team.

[RSnake: Oof, also there are questionable chat rooms like “Russian girl” and “Step Mom” and “Granny Cougar”.  Gross.]

Source: https://gizmodo.com/?p=2000643975

Ukrainian drones were deployed in Russia from hidden civilian-style containers, striking Moscow's fleet of long-range bombers and damaging several. The development of missile launch systems disguised as ordinary vehicles is a trend globally, with countries like China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the US involved. This points to a high-threat environment ahead of the 2030s.

• Drones are being used in Russia from hidden civilian-style containers.

• This is part of a global trend of developing missile launch systems disguised as ordinary vehicles.

[RSnake: Taiwan has a hellfire missile in a truck design that the article pointed to that looks pretty effective and stealthy.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/military/hellfire-missile-launcher-hidden-inside-civilian-box-truck

Roblox faces a lawsuit over alleged failure to implement basic safety controls and facilitate the distribution of child sexual abuse material.

• Roblox has 82 million daily active users, including 20% under the age of 8 and another 20% between 9 and 12, making it vulnerable to predators.

• The platform allows adults to pose as children and children to bypass age requirements, exposing them to explicit content and potential abuse.

[RSnake: If your kids use Robolox, you should probably have a conversation with them about it, not to take or share photos, and if they see anything with nude people in it, to let you know immediately.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=3037219

Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of the television show South Park, have each become billionaires through lucrative deals with Paramount, including a $1.5 billion agreement to stream their show's entire catalog. They have a history of innovative deal-making and a unique creative process that has contributed to their continued success in the entertainment industry.

• Stone and Parker have signed a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount+.

• They are known for their unique and controversial brand of humor that continues to resonate with audiences.

• Their business model leverages back-end ownership of their intellectual property, which has become increasingly rare in the industry.

[RSnake: And the latest South Park had more naked depictions of Trump. They do not care. They’re pretty brave, that’s all I can say. I could see a situation where Trump pressures Paramount+ in about 100 ways, and they end up canceling South Park and suing Stone and Parker for damages, indirectly. Or Trump rides the wave of earned media… either way, it’s brave and likely inconsequential for Trump.]

Source: https://www.readtrung.com/p/south-park-and-the-greatest-tv-contract

President Trump has taken a commanding role in the semiconductor industry, imposing new fees on exports to China and directly negotiating conditions with tech CEOs, such as the CEO of Nvidia. Interventions have prompted significant changes in the industry's operations and investments, with major companies needing to navigate these demands for U.S. manufacturing and financial contributions.

• Trump is directly negotiating export licenses and conditions with major technology companies.

• His involvement has created uncertainty in the semiconductor sector, leading to increased pressure on companies to comply with his demands.

[RSnake: This is likely not legal, btw. However, the ones to sue would be companies like Nvidia and Intel, and they would prefer to make 85% than lose 100%. Also, in related news, there are still those rumors about backdoors in Nvidia chips en route to China.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/technology/trump-chips-nvidia-intel.html

As AI agents become increasingly prevalent in digital commerce, brands must adapt to a new landscape where algorithms take the lead in making purchasing decisions. Brands that fail to optimize for machine experience risk falling behind, while those that succeed will reap significant rewards. The agent economy is no longer speculative; it is now investable, and brands must prioritize data-driven marketing strategies to stay relevant.

• Brands must operationalize loyalty across two separate fronts: emotional and algorithmic.

• Marketing to machines requires real-time relevance and quantifiable value, rather than charm or creativity.

[RSnake: Yep, and brands that block LLMs and don’t have an LLM strategy will subsequently get what they pay for - obscurity.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91383862/why-brands-need-to-court-ai-agents

Yi He, co-founder of Binance and an influential figure in the cryptocurrency industry, has emerged as a central leader following the company's management turmoil. Despite significant challenges, including a historic legal settlement and loss of the original CEO, Binance remains the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally, focusing on compliance and customer service. The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, with expectations of deeper integration into the traditional financial system in the coming years.

• Yi He has taken on a more public role at Binance, demonstrating leadership during a challenging period.

• Binance has maintained its position as the largest cryptocurrency exchange despite regulatory issues and internal changes.

• The crypto market is expected to further integrate with traditional finance through advancements in blockchain technology.

[RSnake: We shall see! I still don’t know where Trump will land with this case, even if he is pro crypto. I think Trump would need to have some deal made with him before he came out in support. Why else would he stick his neck out?]

Source: https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/08/13/binance-yi-he/