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Writer's pictureKrzysztof Kosman

Week in IT Digest 2024-07-04

The most important news this week revolves around Google’s announcement of its Gemma 2 AI models. This development is crucial for researchers and developers, as it signifies a significant leap in AI capabilities, offering more powerful tools to drive innovation and solve complex problems.


TLDR;

  • Google’s Gemma 2 AI models are set to revolutionize AI research.

  • Critical vulnerabilities found in Moveit and OpenSSH software.

  • Record-breaking 402 Tb/s fiber optic speeds achieved.

  • FCC plans to enforce new phone unlocking rules.


Change Summary


In recent weeks, there has been a significant focus on AI, fiber optics, and cybersecurity, indicating a profound shift toward enhancing technological capabilities and securing digital infrastructure. The rapid advancements in AI models, like Google’s Gemma 2, coupled with breakthrough fiber optic speeds, point towards a future of unprecedented computing power and connectivity. Developers and entrepreneurs will need to adapt to these fast-paced innovations, which will facilitate new waves of digital transformation and smart technology integration. On the flip side, the recurring emergence of critical security vulnerabilities underscores the increasing necessity for robust cybersecurity measures.


The recent vulnerabilities in widely-used systems like Moveit and OpenSSH signal potential threats that could undermine technological progress. Businesses will likely prioritize investments in cybersecurity to protect against these threats, making it a critical component of future IT strategies. Policy changes, such as FCC’s new ruling on unlocking phones, also reflect an evolving regulatory landscape, with potential ripple effects on market practices and consumer rights.


Change Patterns


Recent weeks have consistently shown a focus on AI advancements, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and increasing regulatory measures. The progress in AI technology continues at a rapid pace with new models and partnerships, while security remains a critical concern as significant vulnerabilities are discovered in commonly used systems. Regulatory changes are becoming more frequent, reflecting the growing need for oversight in the tech industry. These patterns suggest a future where technological innovation, robust security, and stringent regulatory compliance will be paramount. Businesses will need to stay agile, investing in advanced technologies and security measures while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.


Topic Clusters

Cybersecurity Alerts and Vulnerabilities

  1. Critical vulnerability in file transfer software Moveit could result in a new security disaster Progress Software Corporation warns of a critical security flaw in Moveit file transfer software that could lead to a severe cybersecurity incident.

  2. Qualys warns of OpenSSH vulnerability researchers are calling ‘extremely dangerous’ Qualys researchers warn of an OpenSSH vulnerability affecting over 14 million servers, described as extremely dangerous due to remote code execution and root access.

Advances in AI and Fiber Optics

  1. Google says Gemma 2 will be available to researchers and developers through Vertex AI from July as a new 9B-parameter model and the prior 27B-parameter model Google announces Gemma 2 series with new 9B-parameter and 27B-parameter models available to researchers and developers through Vertex AI from July.

  2. Blistering 402 Tb/s fiber optic speeds achieved by unlocking unused wavelengths Blistering 402 Tb/s fiber optic speeds achieved by unlocking unused wavelengths. Researchers achieve record speeds by tapping into unexplored frequency ranges within standard fiber optic cables.

Regulations and Policy

  1. FCC plans to rule carriers must unlock phones after 60 days FCC plans to rule carriers must unlock phones after 60 days. The Federal Communications Commission proposes strict limits on carrier-locking practices.

Quantum Computing and Security

  1. Cryptographers Are Discovering New Rules for Quantum Encryption Cryptographers Are Discovering New Rules for Quantum Encryption: Researchers have proved that secure quantum encryption is possible in a world without hard problems, establishing a new foundation for what is needed to keep information secure.


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