The White House has unveiled plans for a two-year competition with $18.5 million in prizes for artificial intelligence coders who can come up with ways to identify and fix software vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure code, such as that which runs the Internet. Styled AIxCC, the AI Cyber Challenge is being led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with support from companies including Anthropic, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, who have committed to lending expertise and technology. Up to seven small businesses will potentially receive $1 million each to participate. Continue reading White House Launches $20 Million AI Cybersecurity Challenge

The Internet of Things is now made up of approximately 8.4 billion devices, in cars, voice-activated assistants, home security systems, personal fitness trackers and health-monitoring devices. Much of the “connection” is behind the scenes and involves machine learning-enhanced communication. But an increasing number of IoT products are embedded in the things of daily life, from toothbrushes and dental floss to baby monitors, umbrellas and remote-controlled pet food dispensers. Security and safety issues are now a focus. Continue reading Experts Ponder Implications of IoT Vulnerabilities and Risks

Security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek were able to hack into a Jeep on the highway and remotely control its radio, windshield wipers, navigation system and, finally, the brakes and steering. Miller and Valasek have been working for the last two years to hack various cars, with the aim of controlling them remotely. Their ability to hack the Jeep highlights one of the potential dangers inherent in the Internet of Things, as an increasing number of interconnected devices hit the market. Continue reading Security Experts Remotely Control Jeep’s Steering and Braking