Catch up on this month’s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here’s what we’ve uncovered since our last edition.
Quantum Milestone
Google has announced a major development in quantum computing by developing a quantum processor that can execute tasks around 13,000 times quicker than a conventional computer. The feat, achieved during a scientific calculation, was the first time that a quantum machine has been able to perform in a way that standard systems cannot match.
The experiment, which used the processor to analyse the structure of simple molecules, highlights how quantum computing has the potential to improve research in areas like medicine, materials, scientific modelling, AI and cybersecurity. However, industry specialists also warn that future quantum computers could be used to break today’s encryption methods, increasing the need for quantum-safe security measures.
While Google’s results were impressive and show how the technology is rapidly advancing, building a fully usable quantum computer is still some way off, with scientists needing to develop more stable machines than are currently possible.
SMB Security Gaps
According to a recent study from Kaspersky, many of the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses are struggling to implement effective cybersecurity measures. The security firm reports that two-thirds of SMBs don’t have fully functional strategies, with many having policies that only exist on paper but are not integrated into daily operations.
A key issue for IT leaders is that the lack of understanding from company executives is preventing improvements in security. Almost a quarter of respondents claimed senior leaders did not see cybersecurity as a priority, making it harder for teams to secure resources or establish consistent business-wide protection. In response, more SMBs are now using external support for security, with over a third working with providers that offer training, incident response and long-term planning.
However, with IT leaders still focused on improving internal security, Kaspersky recommends businesses begin by implementing practical, measurable actions that can be rolled out quickly, such as regular training on awareness and basic security practices. That said, it warns that company executives need to align with technical teams if businesses are to create effective defences against emerging threats.
£3.9B Data Centre
Equinix, one of the world’s leading builders and operators of data centres, has announced plans to build a £3.9 billion hyperscale data centre campus in Hertfordshire. The company’s largest European investment to date, the new 2 million sq. ft. site will double its UK processing capacity to about 250 MW, generate thousands of construction jobs and create more than 200 permanent, highly skilled roles when it opens in 2030.
The facility will operate entirely on renewable energy and utilise dry cooling to reduce water usage, making it highly sustainable. Moreover, Equinix also aims to keep more than half of the 85-acre site as open space, which will be used to increase local biodiversity.
Analysts, KMPG, predict that the campus could boost the UK economy by billions during the construction phase, as well as providing strong long-term advantages for the local area.
AI DDOS Attacks
New research by Qrator Labs shows that AI-driven automation is increasing the scale and speed of DDoS attacks. The easy availability of AI assistants and chatbots has enabled attackers with limited technical know-how to build and control far larger botnets, with one network comprising more than 5.7 million compromised devices, a huge increase compared with 2024’s largest botnets.
Moreover, the geographical distribution of attacks is also shifting. As emerging markets become increasingly digital, the pool of insecure devices has widened, with Brazil now the leading source of DDoS traffic that sends fake web requests.
Researchers also note that AI is helping criminals identify, compromise and coordinate vulnerable devices much faster, hastening the overall growth of malicious traffic. The most frequent targets, meanwhile, were sectors such as fintech, ecommerce and media, with some attacks seeing peak volumes above 1 Tbps and some campaigns lasting more than 14 hours.
ChatGPT Shopping
OpenAI’s new shopping experience is changing how users discover products in conversational AI tools. Instead of displaying a long list of links, ChatGPT now provides a small selection of curated product cards, each featuring images, specifications, review summaries and purchase options.
For retailers, this offers a new search channel with different optimisation rules, where visibility depends on the quality of structured data, product feeds and external reviews, instead of ads or bidding.
While analytics indicate that traffic from ChatGPT is still low, conversion rates are much higher compared to traditional search engines. As the AI can filter options, clarify decision criteria, and refine results through conversational prompts, by the time a user clicks through, they are already closer to making a purchase.
For online retailers wanting visibility in ChatGPT’s shopping experience, product information will matter more than ever. As the AI relies heavily on structured data, clean descriptions and trustworthy reviews to decide which items to show, shop owners will need to make sure their product details, images and review data are accurate and well formatted.
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