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Victoria’s Chief Information Security Officer Exits Government Position

David Leane on February 18, 2026

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Brief Overview

Dovid Clarke, Victoria’s State CISO, leaves after more than two years.
The CISO position encompasses duties related to cyber protection and digital robustness.
Rohan Davies is currently serving as acting CISO while the recruitment takes place.
The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established in 2023 to oversee Victoria’s cybersecurity strategy.

Victoria’s Government in Search of New Cybersecurity Chief

Dovid Clarke exits state CISO position

The Government of Victoria is actively seeking a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) following the exit of Dovid Clarke. Clarke, who advanced the state’s cybersecurity framework, has transitioned to RedShield, a security provider based in New Zealand. His position, which also involved being the executive director for data and digital resilience, plays a vital role in managing Victoria’s cybersecurity efforts.

The Responsibilities and Their Significance

The CISO of Victoria is responsible for overseeing the Cyber Defence Centre, directing major incident reactions, and enhancing IT systems and telecommunications resilience. This essential role guarantees that the public services in Victoria are safeguarded from cyber threats and that the digital infrastructure remains strong.

Interim Leadership

In light of Clarke’s departure, Rohan Davies, serving as director of cyber in Victoria’s Department of Government Services, has taken on the role of acting CISO. This interim period is vital as the state strives to uphold its cybersecurity progress while looking for a permanent successor.

The Department of Government Services

Founded in 2023, the Department of Government Services (DGS) is tasked with bolstering Victoria’s digital resilience and cybersecurity posture. The department is instrumental in orchestrating the government’s incident response and ensuring the ongoing development of cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

Victoria is undergoing a change in leadership within its cybersecurity structure with Dovid Clarke’s exit as CISO. As the state embarks on an external search for a new leader, Rohan Davies will continue to manage the responsibilities temporarily. The Department of Government Services plays a crucial role in these initiatives, maintaining the strength and effectiveness of Victoria’s cybersecurity measures.

Q: What was Dovid Clarke’s position in Victoria?

A: Clarke served as the Chief Information Security Officer and executive director of data and digital resilience, tasked with cybersecurity and digital infrastructure oversight.

Q: Who is presently the acting CISO?

A: Rohan Davies, director of cyber at the Department of Government Services, is filling the role of acting CISO.

Q: What encompasses the Department of Government Services?

A: Established in 2023, the DGS handles Victoria’s digital resilience, cybersecurity strategy, and incident management.

Q: Why is the CISO position significant?

A: The CISO spearheads cybersecurity initiatives, oversees incident management, and ensures the robustness of IT systems and telecommunications.

Raycon Everyday Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds Review

Matthew Miller on February 17, 2026

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AIBUILD’s Emotion-Aware Companion Robots: Transforming Proactive Home Care for Seniors in Australia

Nicholas Kinports on February 17, 2026

AIBUILD’s Emotionally Intelligent Companion Robots: Revolutionising Aged Care in Australia

Quick Overview

Cutting-edge robots proactively support elderly Australians in their residences.
Integrates AI with emotion-sensitive detection for holistic care.
Identifies subtle physical and emotional shifts for timely intervention.
Safeguards privacy and dignity while enhancing caregiving efforts.

Transforming Home Aged Care

The aged care industry in Australia has typically focused on aspects such as funding and staffing, strongly emphasizing the importance of enabling older Australians to stay in their homes. Nonetheless, the technology backing this objective has frequently been responsive rather than anticipatory. AIBUILD offers a fresh solution with emotion-aware companion robots crafted to sense changes prior to them escalating into critical issues.

Predictive Capabilities of Companion Robots

The existing technology in aged care commonly provides reactive solutions, such as fall alarms. AIBUILD’s companion robots aspire to bridge this gap by forecasting problems through subtle changes in behavior, posture, and habits. These autonomous robots seamlessly integrate into households, creating a baseline of normalcy to spot anomalies that could indicate emerging concerns.

Emotionally Intelligent Companion Robots Revolutionise Aged Care

The Technology Supporting the Awareness

The companion robots employ an advanced mix of camera-based perception, sensor integration, and real-time AI analysis. This technique enables them to comprehend daily activities without necessitating users to wear devices or alter their behaviors. The technology captures both physical stability and emotional health, utilizing conversational AI to assess speech and emotional tone.

Privacy, Dignity, and Human Interaction

While the adoption of AI robots in homes prompts privacy considerations, AIBUILD guarantees that its system emphasizes dignity and respect. The robots are engineered to notify human caregivers without replacing them, utilizing insights from certified psychotherapists to sensitively interpret emotional signals. This methodology enhances care by providing context and empowering human caregivers.

AI Robots for Proactive Aged Care Solutions

Conclusion

AIBUILD’s emotionally intelligent companion robots deliver a revolutionary approach to aged care in Australia, moving from reactive responses to proactive assistance. With cutting-edge AI and a commitment to privacy and dignity, these robots elevate human caregiving, allowing older Australians to safely and independently stay in their homes while offering reassurance for their families.

FAQs

Q: In what ways do AIBUILD’s robots stand out from existing aged care technology?

A: Unlike reactive technologies, these robots harness AI to forecast problems through monitoring subtle changes, offering proactive care insights.

Q: What technologies are employed by the companion robots?

A: They incorporate camera-based perception, sensor integration, and real-time AI analysis to comprehend daily life and spot changes.

Q: How do the robots maintain user privacy and dignity?

A: The system is crafted to honor personal spaces, prioritizing alerts to human caregivers and not substituting them, ensuring a human touch.

Q: Are these robots capable of replacing human caregivers?

A: No, the robots are designed to supplement human care by providing additional insights, allowing caregivers to concentrate on crucial areas.

Q: How do family members and caregivers receive updates?

A: Family members receive updates through an app, while professional caregivers access structured insights and analyses via an administrative platform.

Q: Is the technology clinically diagnostic?

A: No, the robots are not intended for clinical diagnosis but for identifying potential signals that may need human intervention.

OpenClaw Creator Assumes New Position at OpenAI

wpengine on February 17, 2026

OpenClaw Creator Joins OpenAI

Brief Overview

Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, has partnered with OpenAI.
OpenClaw is transforming into an open-source foundation.
OpenAI will keep backing OpenClaw.
OpenClaw is recognized for its personal assistant features.
The initiative has received over 100,000 stars on GitHub.
Concerns regarding security have been expressed, notably by China’s industry ministry.

Peter Steinberger Partners with OpenAI

Peter Steinberger, the visionary behind OpenClaw, has made a crucial decision by partnering with OpenAI. This development, revealed by Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, signifies an important milestone for both Steinberger and the OpenClaw initiative.

OpenClaw as an Open-Source Initiative

In a move that highlights the dedication to open-source advancement, OpenClaw is preparing to advance into a foundation. OpenAI will continue to provide support for this evolution, making sure that OpenClaw stays an essential resource in the field of personal digital assistants.

The Growth of OpenClaw

OpenClaw, formerly referred to as Clawdbot or Moltbot, has gained attention for its powerful capabilities as a personal assistant. From organizing emails to arranging flights, OpenClaw provides a flexible array of services that have captured the interest of digital users. Since its debut in November, the initiative has accumulated over 100,000 stars on GitHub and welcomed 2 million visitors within just one week.

Concerns and Obstacles

Nevertheless, OpenClaw’s swift ascent has encountered hurdles. China’s industry ministry has highlighted possible security threats linked to the open-source AI tool, particularly in the absence of proper configuration. These issues underline the necessity for strong cybersecurity practices to safeguard users against potential data leaks and cyber threats.

Steinberger’s Aspirations for OpenClaw

Steinberger has consistently advocated for the open-source nature of OpenClaw, viewing it as crucial for the project’s expansion and creativity. By joining OpenAI, he hopes to further his vision and broaden OpenClaw’s influence, utilizing OpenAI’s assets and knowledge.

Conclusion

Peter Steinberger’s decision to join OpenAI represents a new phase for OpenClaw, which will persist in its evolution as an open-source foundation. While the project has gained considerable recognition, it also faces security challenges that must be addressed. Steinberger’s partnership with OpenAI is set to advance the development of personal AI agents, ensuring OpenClaw maintains a leading position in technological progress.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is OpenClaw?

A: OpenClaw is an open-source personal assistant that handles emails, flight bookings, and more, celebrated for its adaptability and popularity.

Q: Why is Peter Steinberger collaborating with OpenAI?

A: Steinberger is teaming up with OpenAI to advance the next generation of personal agents and extend OpenClaw’s reach.

Q: What security issues have been highlighted regarding OpenClaw?

A: China’s industry ministry has pointed out potential security threats, such as cyberattacks and data breaches, if OpenClaw is not properly set up.

Q: How popular has OpenClaw become?

A: OpenClaw has secured over 100,000 stars on GitHub and attracted 2 million visitors in just one week since its launch.

Q: What will the future hold for OpenClaw?

A: OpenClaw will transform into an open-source foundation with ongoing support from OpenAI, enabling it to continue growing and developing.

TOZO T20 Wireless Earbuds Review

Matthew Miller on February 17, 2026

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Pentagon and Anthropic Dispute Regarding Limitations on AI Utilization

Nicholas Kinports on February 17, 2026

Pentagon’s Disagreement with Anthropic on AI Usage

Brief Overview

The Pentagon is contemplating cutting ties with Anthropic regarding AI usage regulations.
Anthropic remains steadfast on restricting the application of its AI in weaponry and surveillance.
Other AI firms such as OpenAI and Google are also part of the discussions.
Anthropic’s AI framework, Claude, has been utilized in a military operation before.
Discussions persist over the ethical considerations of AI in defense scenarios.

The Pentagon’s Demand for AI Adaptability

The Pentagon is putting pressure on AI leaders, including Anthropic, to permit the military to deploy their AI solutions for “all lawful intents.” This encompasses sensitive fields such as weapon development, intelligence gathering, and battlefield actions. Nonetheless, Anthropic has maintained its position, unwilling to relax certain limitations, even amid continuous discussions.

Anthropic’s Moral Position

Anthropic has been transparent about its moral limits, concentrating talks with the US government on usage guidelines that impose strict boundaries on fully autonomous weapon systems and extensive domestic surveillance, neither of which apply to existing operations. This moral stance has become a hurdle in their discussions with the Pentagon.

Participation of Other AI Firms

Entities like OpenAI, Google, and xAI are similarly involved in the Pentagon’s initiative to incorporate AI technologies into defense operations. These firms are being requested to submit their tools on classified networks, potentially bypassing the usual user restrictions they generally apply.

Pentagon, Anthropic AI usage controversy

Claude’s Involvement in Defense Operations

A noteworthy event was Anthropic’s AI model Claude being involved in the US military’s mission to apprehend former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This mission was carried out through Anthropic’s alliance with Palantir, a data company recognized for its collaboration with governmental and defense entities.

Conclusion

The current discussions between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic underscore a vital intersection of technology and ethics. As AI rapidly becomes essential for military operations, the tension between strategic benefits and ethical accountability remains a heated topic. Anthropic’s resolute position on usage regulations highlights the larger conversation about AI’s role in warfare and surveillance.

Q: Why is the Pentagon urging AI firms like Anthropic?

A: The Pentagon aims to leverage AI technologies for a wide array of military uses, including intelligence and battlefield activities, without the typical restrictions.

Q: What are Anthropic’s primary worries regarding AI usage?

A: Anthropic is apprehensive about the ethical ramifications of utilizing AI in fully autonomous weapon systems and extensive domestic surveillance, leading to the establishment of strict constraints.

Q: How have other companies like OpenAI and Google reacted?

A: While talks are ongoing, these companies are also being encouraged to ease restrictions for military applications, akin to requests made to Anthropic.

Q: What was Claude’s function in the military operation against Maduro?

A: Claude was utilized through a partnership with Palantir to assist in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, showcasing its potential applications in military settings.

Q: What are the potential risks of unrestricted AI usage in defense operations?

A: Unrestricted AI application raises ethical issues, including the likelihood of heightened surveillance, autonomous weaponry, and effects on privacy and human rights.

Skullcandy Dime 3 In-Ear Wireless Earbuds Review

Matthew Miller on February 16, 2026

Skullcandy Dime 3 in-Ear Wireless Earbuds, Bone/Orange

Woolworths Overhauls Security Approach, Distancing Infosec from Physical Security Again

David Leane on February 16, 2026

Woolworths Restructures Security Approach: Infosec and Physical Security Diverge

Overview

Woolworths has divided its information and physical security functions.
This change follows the exit of Pieter van der Merwe.
Elrich Engel has been named the new CISO.
The division supports Woolworths’ technological transformation objectives.
Physical security is reassigned to the resilience team.

Woolworths’ Shift in Security Operations

Woolworths, a prominent figure in the Australian retail landscape, has reconfigured its security framework by differentiating between information security (infosec) and physical security roles. This strategic shift was prompted by the exit of Pieter van der Merwe, who served as Chief Security Officer (CSO) for more than three years. Van der Merwe’s departure enabled Woolworths to reevaluate and realign its security priorities, resulting in the establishment of a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Woolworths redesigns its security strategy with distinct infosec and physical security roles

Introducing Elrich Engel as the New CISO

Woolworths has appointed Elrich Engel to the position of CISO, a crucial advancement in the retailer’s technological transformation path. Engel brings valuable experience from strategic roles at Mandiant and previous CISO positions at AMP and Vodafone Australia, reflecting his eagerness about the upcoming challenges and possibilities on LinkedIn. Woolworths intends to capitalize on Engel’s skills as it evolves into a data-centric, AI-enhanced business model.

Redefining Security Areas

The choice to split infosec and physical security responsibilities emphasizes the increasing intricacy and specialized demands of cybersecurity. By reinstating the CISO role, Woolworths underscores the essential need for maintaining strong cyber defenses to guarantee secure shopping experiences for customers. Concurrently, the task of physical security has reverted to Woolworths’ resilience team, acknowledging the considerable responsibility for overseeing physical safety across its widespread operations in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusion

Woolworths has methodically divided its infosec and physical security roles, appointing Elrich Engel as CISO to spearhead its cybersecurity initiatives. This strategic move follows the resignation of former CSO Pieter van der Merwe and aligns with the retailer’s overarching technological transformation goals. The decision emphasizes Woolworths’ dedication to enhancing both its digital and physical security frameworks.

Q: What motivated Woolworths to differentiate between infosec and physical security roles?

A: The differentiation was triggered by Pieter van der Merwe’s exit and the need to tackle the escalating complexity and specialized demands of cybersecurity, while also ensuring effective management of physical security.

Q: Who is Elrich Engel, and what role does he hold at Woolworths?

A: Elrich Engel serves as the newly appointed Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Woolworths, tasked with leading the organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

Q: How does this adjustment fit into Woolworths’ technological transformation?

A: The division of roles bolsters Woolworths’ transition toward a data-driven, AI-enabled business model, enhancing its emphasis on cybersecurity while ensuring robust physical security protocols.

Q: What is the significance of delegating physical security duties back to the resilience team?

A: Assigning physical security to the resilience team guarantees a focused approach to managing the safety of customers, personnel, and properties, which is vital due to Woolworths’ extensive operations throughout Australia and New Zealand.

TOZO New NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds Review

Matthew Miller on February 16, 2026

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Angus Taylor Assumes Leadership of the Opposition: Consequences for Australia’s Technology and Energy Sector

Vanessa May on February 16, 2026

Quick Read

Angus Taylor is the newly appointed Opposition Leader of Australia.
With his philosophy of “technology not taxes,” Taylor aims to harmonize both conventional and new industries.
He promotes a minimally invasive regulatory stance on AI and new technologies.
Advocates for a varied energy portfolio that includes green hydrogen and carbon capture initiatives.
Prioritizes infrastructure development for electric vehicles instead of direct financial aid.
Pushes for enhancements in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural locales.
Aims to strengthen Australia’s gaming and digital market through favorable policies.
Supports free trade agreements and reduced import restrictions to keep technology costs competitive.

Strategic Vision for AI and Innovation

Angus Taylor has been a longtime supporter of minimal regulations concerning emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He contends that excessive regulation could impede the innovation essential for economic progress. His guidance is expected to drive the Coalition toward encouraging AI tools that enhance productivity in industries such as agriculture and mining. Nonetheless, tackling ethical dilemmas related to AI remains a significant obstacle.

Renewable Energy and the Technology Not Taxes Principle

During his term as Energy Minister, Taylor demonstrated a commitment to a varied energy mix. He endorses technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture as part of Australia’s strategy to achieve environmental objectives through engineering solutions rather than financial penalties. His stance indicates a continued backing for gas as a stabilizing fuel alongside renewables.

Electric Vehicles and Transportation’s Future

Taylor’s perspective on electric vehicles has shifted to emphasize infrastructure instead of direct subsidies. His initiatives promote the construction of charging stations via ARENA, aligning with a tech-centric progression to EVs. He underscores the importance of consumer choice and technological preparedness over governmental requirements.

Digital Infrastructure and the NBN

As a representative of a regional constituency, Taylor places a high priority on enhancing digital connectivity outside major urban centers. His vision for the NBN stresses fiscal prudence and productivity for businesses, aiming to close the digital gap by encouraging private sector investment in neglected areas.

Gaming and the Digital Economy

Taylor recognizes Australia’s gaming sector, supported by tax incentives and grants, as a vital area for growth. He perceives it as an essential component of the larger software development ecosystem, with skills transferable to various high-tech fields. His policies are expected to bolster the international competitiveness of Australian studios.

Trade and Technology Policy

Taylor’s economic strategy seeks to mitigate cost-of-living challenges by promoting competition and supply. His energy policies include investigating nuclear technology for affordable energy, while his trade framework is designed to endorse free trade to ensure competitive technology prices.

The Path Forward to the Next Election

Taylor’s leadership will be evaluated based on whether his tech-centric strategies can connect with both the tech community and the general public. His ability to develop a unified alternative to the current administration’s policies will be crucial in the upcoming election. His background in consulting and energy equips him as an effective debater for the Coalition.

Conclusion

Angus Taylor’s role as the new Opposition Leader emphasizes technology-oriented solutions for Australia’s energy and economic issues. His methodology highlights reduced regulation in technology, a varied energy strategy, and infrastructure development for emerging sectors, aiming to reconcile traditional industry demands with advancements in the digital realm.