RSnake Report 20241216

Table of Contents

• Geopolitical

• Technology

• Cybersecurity

• Business

Hello, and thanks for reading! It's time to get wrapping. There are only a few days left for those deliveries to make it here, and some items are already running short, so get on it before you, like me in my college years, end up buying random things at the hardware store. In case you were wondering, fish frier for my mom and road flares for dad.

Let’s start with the Russian/Ukraine conflict. Moscow woke up to another assassination - Mikhail Shatsky, head of software at the "Mars" Design Bureau. Shatsky was integral in upgrading Russian UAV systems and long-range missiles like the X-69. Open-air assassinations like this suggest this was as much a message as it was a tactical elimination, especially because this was in Moscow. If GUR special forces can assassinate people in Moscow, there is nowhere that’s safe if you aid and abet Putin’s regime.

Precision artillery is rewriting the battlefield playbook as Ukraine used the Polish Krab system and Vulcano GLR munitions to set a world record for the longest artillery hit at 70 km. Apparently, it has an operational range of 80 km or more. I bet there are more innovations to be had here to stretch it out even further like deployable wings to allow the munitions to glide when they hit the optimal ballistic height.

Meanwhile, the industrial backbone of Russia is under fire—literally. Army supply warehouse fires in Novosibirsk consumed 7,000 square meters, while Ukraine’s drones targeted Novoshakhtinsk’s oil refinery and Orël’s oil depots and railway tracks in Ulyanovsk and an ammo dump in Donetsk. More calculated blows to supply chains and logistics. There was also a notable video of a large drone hitting a special operations unit in Grozny - these drones are more or less small private planes that have been repurposed.

The introduction of kamikaze mini-drones weighing under 250 grams shows how small these things can get, meaning even a single soldier can load up dozens of these. Loaded with just enough explosives to target personnel drone warfare is becoming ever smaller, cheaper, and deadlier. There was an interesting video about bird and anti-drone shotgun loads and attempting them against FPV drones. The short of it is, shotguns are currently not a reliable solution, but watch for yourselves.

And then there’s the North Korean wildcard. Reports suggest a “zerg rush” offensive by North Korean soldiers in Pokrovsk and Kursk. Their lack of modern combat skills showed, with videos of wave attacks ending in drones raining havoc on their ranks. As a result, while they are able to tie up Ukrainian forces, the North Koreans are not combat-effective.

One thing that is worth mentioning is, if you watch the videos, most of the time, the FPV drones turn into static feeds when they are close, implying that the North Koreans are using personal EW jammers that likely don’t really do much of anything, since the attack path is already underway. However, not all of them turn into static if you watch carefully. This either means that the Ukrainians are using some other means of controlling the drones, like fiber optic, or the North Koreans have different load-outs or are operating those load-outs non-uniformly or some combination of those things. I’d be curious which it is.

There was also another video that was worth a watch about the difference in tactics during tank warfare. It’s becoming more clear that through attrition, due to dwindling supplies, and due to differences in tactics and training the Russian forces losses will continue to mount if they stay on this same trajectory. This is a good example where 49 Shahed drones were launched, 27 were shot down, 19 were taken out by EW jammers, and the rest are still in the air but haven’t found a target. With those losses why bother using Shahed drones anymore - the same old tactics aren’t working.

I think there is a bigger commentary here about the perceived value of forces. For instance, there is a video that I was going to discuss about what the future of autonomous or semi-autonomous ground-based drones might look like, but in the video, their main reason for doing so is to slow down their losses, and he talks about how precious the soldier is. I promise you that is not the talk amongst the higher-ups in Moscow or Pyongyang.

The Ukrainians have been innovating in other ways than just drones and missiles, which seems to be what most of the mil-bloggers want to talk about. They’ve also been innovating in the chassis to launch those things, like this FrankenSAM semi-amphibious monstrosity. It now can fire air-to-air missiles. Yes… you read that right.

Lastly, in Russian news, two or maybe even three ships were damaged beyond repair or may have even been lost in a storm in the black sea, and two of them were tanker ships carrying thousands of tons of fuel oil. So now there is an ecological catastrophe unfolding.

Onto European news, where NATO is bracing for a reality check. The secretary general of NATO says that 2% defense spending won’t cut it anymore. It’s hard to understate how stupid that sounds to me, but here we are. It was never the right amount, knowing the threats that Russia, and China, and North Korea, and Iran are becoming. Keep in mind Ukraine is approaching three years into the conflict with Russia, and Russia has threatened nuclear strikes a half dozen times, and NATO has just realized maybe they should increase their defense spending. 🙄

Poland’s approach? Start them young. Shooting classes are now mandatory for elementary school children. Patriotism or pragmatism? Either way, Poland is not taking chances. If you have a kid, bring them to the range and hand them a 10/22 with a good instructor to accompany it. De-stigmatize it, give them a skill, and prepare us for whatever lies ahead. Oh, and the patriotism part? It makes me feel silly that I don’t have a flag in the house. I guess I’m adding one to my wish list for Christmas. Good job, Poland.

Onto South East Asia for a moment, and in my absolute favorite conspiracy that typically has no bearing on reality, China’s surveillance game is on point with military drones disguised as birds. Yes, “birds.” No conspiracy theory here, just good old-fashioned espionage. This is old tech that is making its rounds again, and it's just too good to miss a chance to bring up.

Okay, onto the Middle East. The Israeli Air Force has decimated Syria’s air defense infrastructure, obliterating up to 86% of its SAM systems and reducing Assad’s air force by 61%. This operation was hundreds of sorties and almost two thousand ordinances dropped in about a day. It looks like Israel has no interest in another military power on its border with the politics of ISIS, especially after reports that it’s already said it wants to march on Jerusalem. That dog won’t hunt. Netanyahu went on the full court press to implore the people of Iran to see how expensive this conflict has been and to rise up against their leadership.

Along with the usual military targets, like the boats we discussed last time and others that you’d expect, so too did Israel hit the old Assad chemical and bio-weapons labs. This might have been the most overlooked and also the most significant target hit. The whole world seriously owes Israel a debt of gratitude for wiping this off the map. Good riddance!

Israel isn’t just doing aerial strikes, they have also been on the move. They have pushed many kilometers past their boarder near Quneitra. I’m not exactly sure what the IDF mission is at this point beyond disarmament, or is this simply to make sure Hezbollah doesn’t walk away with old Assad munitions? Something makes me think there is a lot more to it. Do they want to re-take the country and hand it over to the US-backed Kurdish SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) forces who are pushing from the north? I guess we may have a chance to find out. How will Turkey take the idea of Israel building a Kurdish nation? I’m guessing not well. This isn’t looking good for Turkey staying a part of NATO if they end up fighting Israel/US backed forces.

In Tartus, a massive explosion following an Israeli strike on a munitions depot registered as a 3.0 earthquake. So it does look like Israel has no intention of discontinuing it’s disarmament of the Turkish-backed Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or what we are now supposed to call the Syrian National Army (SNA) forces. 🙄 

The Mandij’s Tishrin Dam has also been taken by the SDF, so they are slowly marching forward and taking more ground. It’s not clear what will happen when they start attempting to take more fortified areas, like the cities, but I don’t think we’ll have long to wait.

Into Domestic news, where hypersonic weapons are no longer the future—they’re now. The U.S. successfully tested its Long Range Hypersonic Weapon for the second time, and it appears to have been successful. More on it here. Not that I think our near-peers have much in the way of effective anti-missile defense, but for penetrating deep into enemy territory it might become quite useful as enemy defensive capabilities improve.

It looks like our Litorral ship fleet, which hasn’t received much combat testing, is now getting vertical launch Mk70 containerized launch tubes. In a previous newsletter, we discussed these things, but just to recap, they make just about any vessel and every truck a possible missile carrier.

On the civilian front, drone swarms buzzing over the Tri-state area sparked viral theories ranging from nuclear detection to foreign military surveillance. While officials scramble to deploy detection systems, we still don’t know for sure. What I can say is that some of this is just nonsense. First of all there are probably many different events that are uncorrelated, so putting them together into one bucket is a bad idea. We do know Chinese nationals launched drones over military bases because we caught one.

We also know that no modern military will put lights on drones during covert operations, so you can pretty much rule out any civilian footage of the drones and put them in the camp unrelated to military operations. Also, drug dealers aren’t going to want to advertise like that. Also, we know that government drones would use a frequency that matches their need, so the talk about using 200ghz frequencies for mesh networking of nuclear-detector drones is likely wrong since 200ghz is used for things like space communication. So, most of this just seems like bad reporting and incorrect analysis. What the drones over New Jersey actually are, though, I do not know. One of my readers suggested that next year, there will be a big movie about drones, and this is just to get the public talking about them - it’s just as weird as any theory I’ve heard.

Okay, onto the articles!

Geopolitical

Rebel forces in Syria have liberated inmates from Saydnaya prison, a facility known for systematic torture and human rights abuses. Released prisoners have described horrific conditions and torture they endured, while the regime of Bashar al-Assad has reportedly collapsed, creating a significant shift in the power dynamics within the country.

• Rebels freed political prisoners from Saydnaya prison, which was notorious for torture.

• The fall of Assad's regime has dramatically altered the situation in Syria.

[RSnake: Yeah, but some of them were actual criminals, too. Straight up opening the jail cells makes for great TV, but what sort of maniacs have they just de-facto pardoned?]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4784vn4jdo

The National Assembly of South Korea has impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the country's third presidential impeachment. Yoon is now under scrutiny for a short-lived declaration of martial law and faces a criminal investigation related to potential insurrection.

• President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the National Assembly.

• The Constitutional Court will decide Yoon's political fate in the coming months.

• Yoon faces a criminal inquiry regarding insurrection during a recent declaration of martial law.

[RSnake: The way I understand this is that the president is still in the role just has no power.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/world/asia/south-korea-impeachment-yoon-explained.html

Burkina Faso is experiencing a severe escalation of violence as the military arms poorly trained civilian militias, leading to increased conflicts and potential civil war. The situation has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and nearly three million people displaced, with reports of brutal attacks and targeting of minority groups. As violence spreads, neighboring countries are receiving an influx of refugees fleeing the turmoil.

• The military in Burkina Faso has armed civilian militias, contributing to widespread violence.

• The conflict has resulted in significant fatalities and a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/world/africa/africa-burkina-faso-militia-violence.html

A confidential intelligence report from Moldova reveals a extensive Russian operation aimed at interfering in the country's 2024 presidential elections and a referendum on EU accession. The operation involves financial manipulation, social engineering, disinformation tactics, and the establishment of a sophisticated network extending from Moscow to local communities in Moldova, employing thousands of activists to promote pro-Russian narratives.

• Russia is orchestrating a comprehensive campaign to undermine Moldova's sovereignty and electoral processes.

• The operation includes a vast network for financial manipulation and disinformation, with significant involvement from Moldovan businessman Ilan Șor.

[RSnake: I have no doubt this happened, but what the world governments haven’t figured out is what the punishment and rules are for interfering. It seems like we can’t figure out what to do about this stuff, even if it’s blatant, like in Georgia and Moldova.]

Source: https://euromaidanpress.com/?p=309669

Iran's currency, the rial, has reached an all-time low against the US dollar, with a significant depreciation attributed to regional conflicts and increased sanctions. Inflation exceeds 40%, and the economic situation is worsening for ordinary Iranians as living standards decline due to rising prices of essential goods and services.

• The rial has experienced a significant decline, dropping to 753,000 rials to the US dollar.

• Inflation in Iran exceeds 40%, leading to a decline in living standards for a large portion of the population.

[RSnake: This is the kind of thing that can start revolutions. Starving people tend to blame their governments. And rightfully so.]

Source: https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412143221

Qatar faces potential destruction if Iran's nuclear facilities are targeted, according to a former Iranian negotiating team member who threatened US air bases in the region.

• Iran is facing an energy crisis due to decades of underinvestment and widespread blackouts across the country.

• US sanctions are widely regarded as a key factor behind the deterioration of Iran's infrastructure.

[RSnake: Iran is losing a lot of power in the region - Syria is no longer any barrier for Israeli flights. Hezbollah is severely degraded. Hamas is all but destroyed. It’s not surprising they’re creating hard lines here; even if conflicts did break out, Iran would have bigger fish to fry than hurting Qatar.]

Source: https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412143379

Law enforcement officials are investigating the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan. A suspect, Luigi Mangione, has been arrested and is connected to the crime through fingerprints, ballistic evidence, and a notebook detailing the assassination plans. Mangione is currently facing extradition to New York to face charges including second-degree murder.

• A suspect was found with a notebook that described plans to assassinate a CEO.

• The investigation has linked the suspect to the crime through forensic evidence.

[RSnake: And Hollywood is already prepping for the UHC story.]

Source: https://www.dailywire.com/news/notebook-found-on-luigi-mangione-describes-assassination-of-unitedhealthcare-ceo-reports

Captagon, a synthetic amphetamine, has become a significant factor in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, where it is mass-produced and exported. This drug, linked to various militant groups, enhances combat performance but also exacerbates social issues through addiction and violence, generating approximately $10 billion in global sales annually with a majority of production based in Syria. As the region faces political changes, the future of Captagon production and trafficking remains uncertain, posing challenges for local and international stability.

• Captagon is heavily used in conflict zones, particularly in Syria, fueling both the war economy and addiction.

• Syria's production and export of Captagon has significant implications for regional stability, with billions in revenue supporting various factions.

[RSnake: And it’s basically been run by Assad’s brother up until a few days ago. Where there is a will, there is a way, and I doubt we’ll see the end to that drug entirely, but the production has been degraded for now. The question is, will the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army want to get rid of that revenue source, given the fact that they are fighting against the SDF in the north and the Israelis in the southwest?]

Source: https://sofrep.com/?p=211228

North Korea is planning to send troops to Russia's Kursk Oblast, near Ukraine, for potential combat operations with Ukrainian forces.

• North Korean soldiers are being covertly transported to the front line in civilian trucks and may be trained for direct participation in combat operations.

• The Kremlin's increasing isolation from the West has pushed it to forge deeper alliances with fellow authoritarian states, including North Korea.

[RSnake: Well, that ship has sailed. We’ll see what happens next because they will learn from their losses. Will they just throw more meat waves at the problem or come up with some actual solutions to their totally ineffective combat approaches? Russians are starting to realize that direct frontal assaults over open fields aren’t working very well and have begun, in limited measure, to use flanking maneuvers to some success.]

Source: https://euromaidanpress.com/?p=309540

Chinese military forces have conducted extensive drills around Taiwan, involving naval and air operations that have heightened regional tensions. These actions coincide with statements from Chinese officials asserting a commitment to combat Taiwan's independence and promote national reunification, while Japanese forces monitored the movements of Chinese vessels in the area.

• Chinese military exercises around Taiwan involved ships and aircraft, crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

• China's Ministry of National Defense reiterated its resolve to counter Taiwan's independence through military readiness.

[RSnake: There are only a few times per year when an invasion is most optimal, the spring and the fall. Spring will be here in a few months time, and the CCP has already announced that they will invade in 2025.]

Source: https://news.usni.org/?p=113776

A proposal for a new global defense bank called the 'Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank' aims to address funding challenges facing NATO and allied nations by providing low-interest loans and financial support for defense production. The bank is designed to facilitate greater collective defense capabilities while enhancing resilience against geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of increased defense spending needs due to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Its establishment depends on a group of strong credit-rated nations to offer foundational support and operational viability.

• The Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank is proposed to resolve funding issues for NATO and allied nations that struggle to meet defense spending commitments.

• The bank would enable member countries to improve defense capabilities through favorable borrowing conditions and structured financial support.

[RSnake: The spending will likely be the same but it shifts some income to the people who need lending - government contractors. By lending, they secure a new source of revenue from the private sector while stabilizing the supply chain. Not a terrible idea, but it won’t actually change the issue of small nations not being able to afford their bill - and keep in mind above, we discussed that NATO is planning to increase military spending.]

Source: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/?p=763435

A federal appeals court has denied TikTok's request to delay a law that requires its parent company, ByteDance, to cut ties with the Chinese government by January 19, 2025, due to national security concerns. This law prohibits apps owned by foreign adversaries from operating in the U.S., and TikTok is challenging its constitutionality on First Amendment grounds while facing significant economic implications if forced to cease operations.

• A U.S. appeals court ruled against TikTok's request to delay a law requiring it to sever ties with China.

• The law, enacted due to national security risks, threatens TikTok's continued operation in the U.S. and has significant economic implications for its users.

[RSnake: It is fast approaching. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. ⌛️ ]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/court-denies-tiktok-request-delay-us-ban-set-jan-19

Technology

Apple has integrated ChatGPT into its devices, enabling users to leverage generative AI for enhanced productivity. With this update, Siri can now utilize ChatGPT to answer queries, making it more capable and versatile for users on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

• Apple Intelligence has integrated ChatGPT, enhancing user productivity on its devices.

• Siri can now use ChatGPT for answering queries, improving its functionalities.

[RSnake: I have found it to be only slightly useful so far. One of the major issues is that it offers long-form replies, which often take multiple steps to perform, but if you select other windows, the reply window disappears forever. Not a great UI.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91244401/how-to-use-chatgpt-iphone-ipad-mac-apple-intelligence-siri-productivity

At the NeurIPS 2024 conference, discussions centered on the application of deep learning in scientific discovery, particularly in areas like drug development and weather forecasting. Chris Bishop from Microsoft Research emphasized how AI accelerates the identification of effective drug candidates and enhances weather prediction models, potentially revolutionizing these fields.

• Deep learning can identify new drug candidates significantly faster than traditional methods.

• The development of foundation models for weather prediction offers a faster and more efficient approach compared to existing numerical methods.

[RSnake: I am very hopeful for weather forecasting. It is one of those areas that is so insanely bad, even now, it’s mind boggling. In Austin, at least, it can be currently raining, and I’ll look at the forecast, and it will say 0% chance of rain. ☔️  Isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think?]

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/?p=1112202

Tenstorrent is innovating in the semiconductor industry by developing a chip architecture optimized for AI workloads, utilizing a combination of RISC-V cores to handle both compute and data movement efficiently. Their approach focuses on mixed workloads that incorporate CPU capabilities alongside AI processing, amid a competitive landscape dominated by Nvidia and other major players.

• Tenstorrent is creating a new chip architecture designed for mixed AI workloads, separating compute tasks and data handling using RISC-V cores.

• Their strategy and innovations may position them as a competitive alternative to established giants like Nvidia in the semiconductor industry.

[RSnake: I think we’re going to see a lot of dark horse companies coming out of the woodwork, which is both good and bad. We need competition and innovation. It also means there is no hope of containing this if anyone ever had that misguided idea in the first place.]

Source: https://irrationalanalysis.substack.com/p/tenstorrent-and-the-state-of-ai-hardware

There is a growing exploration of how to interact with AI models, with a shift from treating them as agents resembling humans to viewing them as tools akin to computer applications. This change in metaphor could enhance user interaction by enabling more efficient and intuitive communication with AI, allowing for innovative interfaces and applications in real-time. As the technology evolves, the potential for AI models to generate bespoke user interfaces may lead to significant transformations in computing.

• AI can be viewed as a tool rather than as a human-like agent, potentially enhancing user interaction.

• Shifts in metaphor can lead to more efficient communication methods and the development of personalized interfaces.

[RSnake: Waaaay ahead of you. I think the reality is that it should always be wrapped up in as much automation as possible. The way I write this report is a good example. All the articles are pulled in via automation and processed by a local LLM. That greatly reduces the cost of having to read/parse all of this news, and then I can comment on something that looks uniform visually. But at no point do I let an LLM run rip-shod on the Internet and do whatever it wants to pull me back content. Could I write that code? Yes. Would I? Absolutely not. It’s computationally expensive and would give me (and ultimately you, dear reader) crappy results.]

Source: https://willwhitney.com/computing-inside-ai.html

The US Marine Corps plans to test Sikorsky's MATRIX flight autonomy system on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in 2025, aiming to enhance operational efficiency in contested environments. This technology allows for autonomous flight, which could transform military logistics and resupply efforts, enabling precise delivery of supplies without human pilots. The integration of such advanced systems aligns with the Department of Defense's vision of modern warfare, where autonomous capabilities can significantly improve mission flexibility and reduce risks.

• MATRIX is a flight autonomy system being developed for use in military applications.

• Its capabilities include autonomous cargo transport and mission execution without onboard pilots.

• The upcoming Marine Corps tests aim to assess its implications for logistics and resupply in military operations.

[RSnake: Interesting. Black-hawks as heavy-lift drones or cruise-control for long-haul or very precise missions both could be benefited by that tech. I think the future is every military aircraft will need this overhaul. Might as well start building it now.]

Source: https://sofrep.com/?post_type=marines&p=211219

AI technology is expected to present significant risks in 2025, primarily due to human misuse of AI rather than through superintelligent AI acting autonomously. This includes instances of lawyers relying on AI-generated false information and the proliferation of non-consensual deepfakes, leading to challenges in discerning truth from fabrication and impacting rights and legal integrity.

• Misuse of AI tools by professionals, such as lawyers incorporating fabricated data, is leading to legal repercussions.

• The rise of non-consensual deepfakes presents challenges to personal rights and truthfulness in public discourse.

[RSnake: Yeah, I’m not worried about AGI quite yet. It’s getting there, but I still think we have at least a couple of years left, and all the serious players I know say it’s a long way off further than that. But I think what they are missing is that AGI doesn’t actually have to be superintelligent. We just have to not be able to tell the difference, and that is coming fast, I believe.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/human-misuse-will-make-artificial-intelligence-more-dangerous/

China has successfully tested a hypersonic aircraft prototype that achieved speeds of Mach 6, potentially enabling travel from Beijing to New York in just two hours. This development represents a significant advancement in hypersonic technology, with implications for future commercial travel and competition with other nations also pursuing similar capabilities.

• China's hypersonic aircraft can dramatically reduce flight times between major global cities.

• The development raises competitive concerns among countries like the United States, which is also advancing its own hypersonic research.

[RSnake: Cool - but there are problems with these things - mostly the noise and cost to operate. We’ll see if this gets any commercial interest. Remember the Concorde and the Tu-144? They didn’t survive largely due to reliability, which could probably be fixed, but also economics.]

Source: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/?p=222386

Wayve has developed a new AI self-driving system that operates entirely through unsupervised learning without high-definition maps or hand-coded instructions, setting it apart from competitors like Waymo. The company recently secured significant funding from investors including Softbank, Microsoft, and Nvidia, which allows it to expand operations in the UK and the US while pursuing partnerships with major car manufacturers for advanced driver assistance technology.

• Wayve's system uses a unique AI approach for self-driving, allowing it to adapt and learn autonomously.

• The recent funding round signifies a renewed optimism in the autonomous vehicle sector after previous downturns.

[RSnake: A friend of a friend drove around in a Waymo the other day. I am still unclear on how the licensing works for such things. If I own one, do I need a license anymore? If so, for what, exactly? What about uninsured motorists “operating” it? We’re entering an interesting time for sure. Waymo also made news for getting a certification for being able to properly identify emergency vehicles.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/wayves-ai-self-driving-system-is-here-to-drive-like-a-human-and-take-on-waymo-and-tesla/

A significant migration of users from X, formerly Twitter, to a new social media platform called Bluesky is occurring, particularly among Black users seeking a “safer” online environment. The creator of a Black user-specific feed named Blacksky aims to foster a “healthier” community by implementing dedicated moderation to reduce harassment and create an inclusive space.

• Users are leaving platforms like X due to rising harassment and toxicity.

• Blacksky is a new moderated feed on Bluesky designed to support and protect Black users.

[RSnake: I get it, but creating spaces for different races won’t go far to heal feelings of division. Also, talk about the ultimate filter bubble! Only hearing from voices that are ideologically indistinguishable from your own? Keep in mind, I am not saying all people of X race think the same, but if you have already said that free speech is too free for you, you have self-selected into an anti-free speech cohort and then further segregated by race? That’s not going to help them socialize with the rest of the world.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/blacksky-is-nothing-like-black-twitter/

The world is facing a critical shortage of transformers, which are essential for creating and transmitting electricity, as demand for power soars due to the increasing use of nuclear power plants, fusion energy, solar power, gas and oil plants, and other power-hungry technologies. Raw material costs have doubled since 2020, making it difficult for manufacturers to produce enough transformers, with lead times reaching up to four years in some cases.

• The transformer shortage is caused by high demand and raw material costs, which have doubled since 2020, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers to keep up with production.

• The lack of workers in the domestic transformer manufacturing industry is a major impediment to expanding capacity, with some manufacturers having to add shifts to meet higher demand.

[RSnake: We are going to need a lot more of them, folks. A lot. AI ain’t cheap to power.]

Source: https://gizmodo.com/?p=2000538517

NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully reached the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, where it will conduct a long-term science campaign aimed at exploring the ancient environments and geological history of the planet. As the rover navigates challenging terrain, it is expected to visit multiple sites to collect samples, with a particular focus on rocks that may provide insights into Mars' past and its potential for past life. NASA is also facing challenges with its plans to return Martian samples to Earth due to high costs and complexities, prompting collaboration with various companies for potential solutions.

• Perseverance rover arrived at Jezero Crater to begin a new science campaign.

• Samples collected may provide critical insights into Mars' geological history and past life potential.

• NASA's plan to return samples to Earth is facing significant challenges and costs.

[RSnake: We need a method to get things back and forth, like people, in the future, so we might as well bite the bullet and perfect it on rocks now.]

Source: https://mashable.com/article/nasa-mars-perseverance-rover-jezero-crater-reached-top

Cybersecurity

A significant cybersecurity incident has occurred where over 390,000 WordPress account credentials were stolen in a year-long campaign led by a threat actor identified as MUT-1244. This attack involved compromised GitHub repositories and a phishing campaign, targeting multiple users including security professionals and offensive actors, leading to the theft of sensitive information such as SSH keys and AWS access tokens.

• Over 390,000 WordPress credentials were stolen from various victims, including cybersecurity professionals.

• The attackers used a combination of trojanized tools and phishing tactics to exploit trust within the cybersecurity community.

[RSnake: Wow - that’s a lot! Even more reason not to re-use your password/keys, folks.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/390-000-wordpress-accounts-stolen-from-hackers-in-supply-chain-attack/

Research indicates that 1 in 6 women in the U.S. Congress has been targeted by AI-generated nonconsensual intimate images, significantly affecting their mental health and engagement in politics. Limited legal protections exist against the creation and distribution of such content, prompting calls for congressional action to enact relevant legislation.

• Significant gender disparity in the targeting of Congresswomen by AI-generated deepfakes.

• Current lack of federal laws addressing nonconsensual intimate imagery presents risks for public figures, especially women.

[RSnake: I’m honestly surprised it’s not 100%. Maybe they’re not looking hard enough. There is no stopping this, though. Not a chance. This existed before AI and is going nowhere.]

Source: https://gizmodo.com/?p=2000538763

A large cyberattack in Rhode Island has compromised the personal data of potentially hundreds of thousands of residents who applied for government assistance. Hackers have threatened to release this sensitive information unless a payment is made, prompting state officials and their vendor to investigate the scope and cause of the breach.

• An international cybercriminal group harvested personal data from Rhode Island's social services and health insurance systems.

• The attack affected applicants for programs involving financial assistance, child care, employment help, and health benefits since 2016.

[RSnake: Typical ransomware but pretty despicable who they were targeting.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/us/cyberattack-rhode-island-ribridges-snap-medicaid.html

Microsoft has patched a Windows zero-day vulnerability that was actively exploited by malicious actors, with the Common Log File System driver being affected.

• A vulnerability in the Common Log File System (CLFS) driver affects many versions of Windows Server, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

• The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added CVE-2024-49138 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

[RSnake: Patch up if you’re on Windows.]

Source: https://www.vulnu.com/p/microsoft-patches-cve-2024-49138-windows-zero-day

Water facilities in the U.S. are being warned to secure their Internet-exposed Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) from cyberattacks, which can lead to disruptions in water treatment processes. Pro-Russia hacktivists have previously manipulated these systems, and ongoing threats from various state-linked actors persist, leading to significant cybersecurity advisories from federal agencies.

• Federal agencies warn water facilities to secure HMIs from cyberattacks.

• Previous attacks have demonstrated vulnerabilities in water treatment systems.

[RSnake: Water, power, and sewage/trash are the three least protected and most vulnerable. The first two are the most critical and easily disrupted.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-warns-water-facilities-to-secure-hmi-systems-exposed-online/

Over 336,000 Prometheus servers and exporters are currently exposed to the internet without proper authentication, making them vulnerable to Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks and information disclosure. The lack of security controls allows attackers to gather sensitive information and potentially exploit these exposures for malicious purposes. Additionally, vulnerabilities such as 'RepoJacking' pose a risk as attackers can take control of abandoned GitHub repositories associated with Prometheus exporters.

• Over 336,000 Prometheus servers and exporters are exposed to the internet without authentication.

• Vulnerabilities allow attackers to gather sensitive information and initiate DoS attacks.

• RepoJacking can enable attackers to control abandoned repositories, leading to further exploitation.

[RSnake: It’s hard to know if this was intentional or not, but either way, not great.]

Source: https://www.aquasec.com/?p=23809

Fourteen North Korean nationals have been indicted for using false identities to secure remote IT jobs with U.S. companies, from which they funneled over $88 million back to North Korea for weapons programs. The FBI is pursuing domestic enablers who assisted in the scheme, and a reward of $5 million has been offered for information on the suspects, most of whom are believed to be in North Korea.

• North Korean nationals exploited remote IT jobs to channel funds for weapons development.

• The FBI is investigating a broader scheme involving thousands of workers linked to North Korea.

[RSnake: Matt Johansen has been covering this quite a bit lately. There’s not a great way to handle this other than to actually know who you are employing. Turns out you can’t trust people on the Internet.]

Source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/12/12/north-korean-nationals-indicted-scheme-using-it-workers-funnel-money-weapons-programs.html

Fraud attacks leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) are significantly increasing, prompting businesses globally to enhance their fraud prevention budgets and strategies. The evolving landscape of fraud is driven by the advancements in GenAI technology, changes in government regulations, and the demand for secure yet user-friendly digital experiences.

• Businesses are facing challenges in balancing fraud protection with customer experience.

• Investments in AI and machine learning are crucial for improving fraud prevention strategies.

[RSnake: Yep, and this will continue to evolve and get worse as whisper agents and similar deep fake voice tech improve.]

Source: https://thereadable.co/experians-2024-global-identity-fraud-report-spotlights-huge-growth-in-highly-personalized-genai-driven-fraud-attacks/

A Russian hacking group known as Gamaredon is using new Android spyware, BoneSpy and PlainGnome, to spy on and collect data from mobile devices primarily targeting Russian-speaking individuals in former Soviet states. These spyware variants demonstrate increased sophistication in their operation and delivery, utilizing social engineering tactics to evade detection and gain access to sensitive user information.

• Gamaredon's BoneSpy has been in use since 2021, targeting mobile devices and collecting sensitive data.

• PlainGnome, a newer custom malware, employs advanced techniques to minimize detection risks while exfiltrating user data.

[RSnake: This is probably state-sponsored, but it’s not entirely clear.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/russian-gamaredon-cyberspies-target-android-users-with-new-spyware/

Business

Rupert Murdoch is navigating a succession plan for his media empire, indicating preferences for his son Lachlan to take over. Tensions are rising among his children regarding control of the family trust and future direction of the organization as Murdoch seeks to solidify his legacy before his passing.

• Rupert Murdoch wants to designate Lachlan as the leader of his media empire.

• The Murdoch heirs are contesting changes to the family trust that would centralize control under Lachlan.

[RSnake: Why anyone gets a say in what he wants in his will or trust is a bit strange. But if I were him, I would cut out anyone who argued with me.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/opinion/rupert-murdoch-succession-lachlan-james-fox.html

Meta has requested that the California Attorney General block OpenAI's transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity, arguing this change could significantly impact Silicon Valley. Elon Musk, a former co-founder of OpenAI and now a competitor, is also involved in legal efforts against this transition.

• Meta believes OpenAI's for-profit shift could have major implications for the tech industry.

• Musk's actions are motivated by competition with OpenAI after his departure from the organization.

[RSnake: The full transition from “Open” AI to fully closed is almost complete. I don’t blame others for wanting to put a stop to it. But I am also surprised they still get to pretend that they actually are a non-profit at all. Do you recall the last AI that OpenAI opened? GPT 2, which had less than 100 times as many parameters as GPT3. We’re now on o1.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2931690

Despite record-breaking holiday shopping sales this year, many Americans continue to struggle with high prices for everyday goods and Christmas gifts. Consumer spending hit records on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but households feel squeezed due to lost purchasing power from years of inflation. The majority of households feel they are living paycheck to paycheck.

• The National Retail Federation predicts consumers will shell out $25 per person more on average this year compared to last year on gifts, food, and decorations.

• Two-thirds of Americans (65%) feel they are living paycheck to paycheck, up from just over half (52.5%) last year.

[RSnake: Our household is looking for cheaper alternatives, too. It’s not just the very poor. Everyone could use a little belt-tightening if we are going to get out of this debt crisis unscathed. More bill paying, less spending. Of course, that hits the retailers hard, both because their supplies are more expensive and because they have fewer consumers. That does lead to more supply and is naturally deflationary, but still. There are no great answers here.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/tone-deaf-lefties-miss-point-rising-consumer-spending

McKinsey has agreed to pay $650 million to settle charges related to its involvement in the opioid crisis in collaboration with Purdue Pharma. The US opioid crisis has led to nearly 100,000 overdose deaths annually, although recent statistics indicate a slight decline in fatalities over the past year.

• McKinsey settled for $650 million over its role in the opioid crisis.

• The US is experiencing a significant public health issue with high overdose death rates.

[RSnake: It is likely nowhere near the damages they have caused to families all across the world.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gxr27kx6po

Exxon Mobil is planning to construct a natural gas power plant to support data centers, anticipating increasing electricity demands from tech companies in the next decade. The facility aims to capture over 90% of its carbon emissions, although carbon capture and storage technology still faces challenges at a commercial scale. Meanwhile, competition from rapidly deployable and cost-effective renewable energy sources is intensifying, as major tech firms invest heavily in renewable projects.

• Exxon Mobil is constructing a power plant to serve data centers, foreseeing a surge in energy needs.

• The new plant aims for significant carbon capture, but faces competition from faster renewable energy solutions.

[RSnake: That’s good, but we really should be focusing most of our future research on thorium reactors. They’re powerful and don’t have byproducts that can be reused in military nuclear applications.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2931186

Tesla's market capitalization has surged to $1.3 trillion, driven by optimism around its full self-driving (FSD) technology, upcoming robotaxis, and new vehicle models. Analysts predict a growth in production capacity for 2025 and improvements in manufacturing processes, including significant advancements in autonomous driving and the introduction of humanoid robots. Key regulatory challenges remain as the company plans to launch new products and services in the near future.

• Tesla's shares have increased by 70% year-to-date, approaching $1.3 trillion in market cap.

• New vehicle models are expected in 2025, focusing on affordability and increased production capacity.

• Regulatory challenges impact the deployment of robotaxi services and broader integration of FSD technology.

[RSnake: Let’s hope they get that off the ground. I honestly am not sure I’d ever drive again if I didn’t have to worry about it. But the laws would need to catch up. Can I drink and not drive? Can I sleep and not drive? How about talking and texting and playing video games and not driving?]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/deutsche-bank-shares-top-takeaways-tesla-meeting-fsd-robotaxi-optimus

Chinese automakers are gaining dominance in the global auto market, prompting traditional manufacturers like Audi to adapt to the local market by launching new brands tailored for Chinese consumers. Audi's new joint venture with SAIC has revealed an all-caps brand name, moving away from its classical logo, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and increased competition from domestic brands. This strategic pivot comes as global automakers face declining sales and must evolve to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

• Audi has launched a new brand identity specifically for the Chinese market, moving away from its traditional logo.

• Global automotive manufacturers are struggling with declining sales in China due to the rapid rise of local competitors.

[RSnake: I really think this is a bad idea for Audi. China isn’t a real market for Western countries. It’s a honeypot to gain more intelligence on operations and technology so they can build their own. Forget China as a market.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/audi-china-rebrand-four-rings-logo/

In 2024, the technology sector is experiencing significant layoffs, with over 130,000 job cuts reported across 457 companies, affecting both large firms and startups. Major companies are restructuring and downsizing as they adapt to evolving market conditions, often pivoting towards AI and automation, leading to a re-evaluation of workforce needs.

• More than 130,000 jobs have been cut in the tech sector in 2024.

• Companies are increasingly focusing on AI and automation, impacting workforce dynamics.

[RSnake: I suspect 2025 isn’t going to look a lot rosier. But with Trump in place, I really have no idea what will play out. That is what traders love - volatility. So we shall see what happens when Trump flips the tables!]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2607662

Healthcare costs in the U.S. have risen significantly, with various medical services seeing dramatic price increases. The system is characterized by a disparity in access to care, particularly for those relying on Medicaid or exchange plans, leading to frustrations among the public regarding affordability and availability of healthcare services.

• Healthcare costs have increased significantly, making it less accessible for many Americans.

• Critics of the current healthcare system highlight issues with Medicaid and private insurance coverage.

[RSnake: Everything is more expensive. That’s what happens when you print money: you inflate the economy. I can’t wait for Janet Yellen to be fired for not knowing this would cause inflation. Worst Treasury Secretary in history.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/understanding-anger-over-healthcare-one-picture

Thanks so much for reading. Once again, please forward this newsletter to anyone you think should be reading it. It’s how the newsletter grows, how I know you love it, and how it encourages me to keep going. I’d really appreciate it!