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 Chip
Google has introduced a groundbreaking quantum microchip that works so fast it can tackle problems in just five minutes, which would take conventional supercomputers a mind-boggling 10 septillion years. That’s a one followed by 19 zeros. Named Willow, the 4cm² chip, developed in Santa Barbara, boasts improved error resistance compared to earlier models and can potentially transform sectors such as pharmaceuticals and AI.
Quantum computing can achieve such speeds as it uses the unique property of subatomic particles to exist in multiple states at the same time, a characteristic that enables it to carry out computations simultaneously. According to Google, this processing power can lead to many developments, including atom-level MRI imaging and progress in nuclear fusion. However, there is also the risk that in the wrong hands, its immense capabilities could be used to crack today’s most advanced encryption methods.
While experts hail the Willow chip as a significant achievement, they note that practical applications are still several years away.
Graphene Deal
UK-based Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM) has secured an agreement to manufacture graphene-enhanced carbon fibre in Saudi Arabia, marking the world’s first commercial production of this innovative material.
Regarded as one of the most important scientific discoveries in recent times when first identified at Manchester University in 2004, Graphene is a tough, flexible and light nanomaterial, 200 times stronger than steel yet only one atom thick. Having unique mechanical and electrical properties, it offers enormous potential across various industries, including for the development of cutting-edge construction methods and in creating lighter materials for aviation and space exploration.
The Saudia Arabia deal will see graphene-enhanced carbon fibre manufactured in the Gulf state where the material will be used in the construction of next-generation eco-cities. Additionally, the deal includes plans to invest £250 million in a new research centre in Manchester, which could generate over 1,000 new jobs.
The equipment needed to manufacture the material is already operational and the Saudi Arabian factory is expected to commence operations by late 2025. GIM, meanwhile, aims to establish a manufacturing facility in the UK by 2026.
Soil Robot
Researchers in Cornwall are experimenting with robotic technology that assists farmers in rapidly evaluating soil health. Robotics company Robotriks has successfully combined one of its robots with a gamma ray detector to assess soil quality on a farm near Bodmin. The detector measures levels of natural radiation in the soil, providing the farmer with a quicker and more comprehensive analysis compared to traditional methods.
In difficult to access areas, such as hills and hedgerows, the company is also testing the use of robot dogs. Nimble and weighing just 15 kilograms, the dogs are capable of navigating challenging terrains, making them well-suited for varied landscapes like those in Bodmin.
The University of Plymouth, which is also participating in the project, said that the objective is to develop detailed soil maps that will help farmers manage their fields more effectively and identify previously unused but fertile land. The cost and timescales of conventional soil testing mean many farmers have underutilised land which the new robots could assess quickly and cost-effectively.
Shadow AI Rise
According to Owl Labs ‘State of Hybrid Work’ report, nearly half of the UK workforce is using unauthorised AI tools, also known as shadow AI or ‘bring your own AI,’ for work. The trend is particularly common among younger employees, with 63% of Gen Z and Millennials utilising unauthorised AI every week, compared to 43% of older workers.
The report highlights the risks of using shadow AI, including violation of data privacy regulations, security threats and issues related to intellectual property and business intelligence. Despite this, Owl Labs’ study shows that 40% of employees see no risks with using unapproved tools while one-third think employers would not be able to detect its use.
In response, IT leaders are calling on employers to develop comprehensive governance frameworks, provide employee education and implement protective measures to ensure that AI is used safely and responsibly in hybrid working environments.
Open-Source Malware
The number of open-source malware threats has grown significantly in 2024, with a 156% increase in malicious packages found in repositories. According to Sonatype, these packages are often disguised as legitimate open-source software in order to target developers and evade security. Since 2019, Sonatype has detected over 770,000 malicious packages, 70,000 in the last 12 months.
The npm registry, the world’s largest JavaScript package repository, contained 98.5% of the malicious packages, hosting more than half a million harmful components. The platform’s user-friendly publishing process and its 4.5 trillion annual requests make it an attractive target for cybercriminals.
Additionally, Sonatype reported 15.6 billion shadow downloads in 2024. When these unverified components are used to develop software, they hugely increase the potential for vulnerabilities. To address these risks, experts advise using automated scanning tools, maintaining updated inventories and conducting regular patching.
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