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The “PromptLock” ransomware, revealed by cybersecurity firm ESET, is not a malicious tool but an academic research prototype created by the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Initially thought to be a genuine threat, the prototype functions as a proof-of-concept to investigate AI-driven ransomware abilities.
The NYU Tandon research group’s investigation, called “Ransomware 3.0,” illustrates how extensive language models can independently perform ransomware campaigns across various platforms, such as personal computers, enterprise servers, and industrial control systems. The study simulates all stages of an attack, ranging from system mapping to generating ransom notes, employing AI to formulate tailored attack scripts for each target.
The prototype utilizes AI models to create distinctive attack codes, complicating detection by traditional security systems. Tests indicated that AI could detect 63 to 96 percent of sensitive files, varying by the environment. These scripts, functional across platforms including Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, demonstrate the capability of AI to circumvent current security protocols.
Employing around 23,000 AI tokens for each attack, the expense totals approximately US$0.70 ($1.07). Nonetheless, open-source AI models can negate these costs, allowing less experienced individuals to perform complex attacks that formerly required considerable resources and expertise.
Executed within ethical boundaries, the study aims to educate the cyber security community regarding the hazards of AI-driven attacks. Md Raz, the primary author of the research, stresses the necessity of acknowledging AI-enabled threats. The team advocates monitoring file access behaviors, regulating AI service interactions, and crafting detection techniques specifically for AI-created threats to tackle possible dangers.
The “PromptLock” prototype showcases the shifting dynamics of ransomware, propelled by AI technologies. While not an immediate threat, the research emphasizes the urgency for enhanced security approaches tailored to AI-generative attacks. The study acts as a call to action for the industry to gear up for future challenges posed by AI-fueled cyber threats.
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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, under human supervision, has recently been tested in a real-world setting in Melbourne. In an unplanned scenario, the system skillfully maneuvered around a double-parked van, indicating its capability to navigate intricate urban driving challenges.
During a driving test in Melbourne, a van was double-parked on a street, temporarily obstructing the road. The FSD system halted, evaluated the situation, and then proceeded to overtake the van by switching to the opposite lane, a move that many human drivers would employ in similar situations. This highlighted the system’s ability to mimic human-like decision-making in unexpected environments.
The decision-making process of the FSD is not merely a reaction but demonstrates situational awareness. After passing the van, the system was confronted with another vehicle halted in its route. In this instance, the FSD wisely recognized that it was safer to wait, showcasing its flexibility in responding to varying traffic situations.
In spite of its advanced features, Tesla’s FSD is still a supervised driving system. Drivers need to be alert and prepared to intervene. While FSD can manage numerous driving functions, it does not serve as a substitute for a human driver, but instead functions as an advanced co-pilot.
At present, the FSD (Supervised) software is limited to a select number of Early Access users in Australia. Tesla has indicated intentions to broaden its availability shortly, commencing with vehicles featuring Hardware 4. The one-time cost for FSD is A$10,100, and free hardware upgrades are assured for those who have previously acquired FSD.
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) software is making advancements in Australian urban landscapes, showcasing its aptitude for navigating complicated and evolving driving conditions. Though it is not yet fully autonomous, its human-like decision-making skills signify notable progress in automotive technology. As Tesla gears up for a wider rollout, Australian drivers may soon witness the future of driving firsthand.
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WA Health has achieved a significant milestone by completing the initial phase of its electronic medical record (EMR) revamp, successfully transitioning 44 million files to a new digital platform. This ambitious project, launched in August, is part of a considerable $247 million investment aimed at modernising the medical record system statewide.
The upgraded system, featuring single sign-on and virtual desktop infrastructure, is set to transform healthcare delivery throughout Western Australia. Health Minister Meredith Hammat remarked, “This significant milestone represents the movement towards modernising and enhancing healthcare throughout our state.”
Due to the vast geographical expanse of Western Australia, these technological innovations are essential for improving connectivity and quality of patient care. NTT Australia provided the single sign-on system, facilitating card-based access to approximately 90 clinical applications, thus streamlining processes for healthcare providers.
The WA Government has earmarked $104 million in the 2024-25 State Budget to facilitate the implementation of this digital medical record system, improving interoperability among clinical systems. This digital advancement is part of an extensive $1.2 billion funding initiative targeting enhancements in public hospital capacity and the modernisation of digital infrastructure across the state.
WA Health has effectively launched the first stage of its digital medical record system, a pivotal element of its comprehensive strategy to modernise healthcare delivery throughout Western Australia. With substantial financial investment and technological backing, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more cohesive and effective health system.
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Fetch TV has announced the launch of six new channels along with the integration of the Crunchyroll anime streaming service, coupled with its initial subscription price increases since 2021. The Australian pay-TV service revealed that these updates will go live from 1 September, which will affect all premium channel packages.
Fetch TV, a widely-known Australian pay-TV service, has revealed an exciting enhancement to its channel offerings alongside a pricing overhaul. This marks the first increase in pricing since 2021. Beginning on 1 September, the update includes the addition of six fresh channels and the incorporation of Crunchyroll anime streaming service, although this will involve an additional subscription cost.
The Moonbug Kids Channel delivers cherished children’s programming such as CoComelon, Blippi, and Little Angel to Australian viewers in a commercial-free setting. This represents the inaugural dedicated Moonbug channel in the nation, offering a secure and engaging environment for young audiences.
Declassified features compelling documentaries about warfare, military strategies, and intelligence activities. Exclusively available on Fetch TV, this channel appeals to history buffs with a strong interest in military stories.
Fetch TV’s new Stingray music channels comprise four genre-specific selections: Stingray Loud (rock), Stingray Retro (classic hits), Stingray Country, and Stingray Hits. Each channel presents 24-hour music programming to cater to varied musical preferences.
The Crunchyroll app offers access to over 39,000 anime episodes from more than 1,600 titles, including fan-favorite series like One Piece, JUJUTSU KAISEN, and My Hero Academia. However, accessing this content necessitates an additional subscription fee, ranging from A$10.99 to A$13.99 monthly.
Fetch TV’s pricing restructure results in most channel packages increasing to $7.99 per month for Vibe, Knowledge, Variety, and Kids packs. The Ultimate Pack now costs $24.99 per month, while the Entertainment Pack is $17.99 per month. The Movie Box package remains competitively priced at $2.99 monthly.
Fetch TV CEO Dominic Arena stated that the investment in fresh content underscores the company’s dedication to providing excellent value and a wide entertainment range for Australian families. Nonetheless, the pricing adjustments have provoked mixed responses among subscribers, with some questioning the worth of the new music-oriented lineup.
The timing of Fetch TV’s price adjustment contrasts with several increases by major streaming rivals like Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ during the same timeframe. Industry analysts note Fetch TV’s relatively stable rates amidst rising content licensing costs and inflationary pressures experienced by competitors.
Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director at Moonbug Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the debut of the first Moonbug Channel in Australia, highlighting the chance to share beloved children’s content with a broader range of families.
Given the growing anime fanbase in Australia, the Crunchyroll integration addresses this desire, providing fans with easier access to leading Japanese anime titles. Terry Li of Crunchyroll praised Australia’s enthusiastic anime community, underscoring Fetch TV’s contributions to delivering exceptional anime experiences to local viewers.
Fetch TV’s channel expansion and pricing modifications signify a noteworthy change in its service offerings. While it presents a variety of new content options, the changes have garnered mixed reactions from subscribers. As Fetch TV aims to solidify its position against streaming giants, it navigates the complexities of pricing strategies and content curation.
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Jaguar Land Rover’s retail and manufacturing operations have encountered major disruptions due to a cybersecurity event. The firm, which is part of India’s Tata Motors, is in the process of restoring its functions in a measured approach. At this moment, JLR has found no proof of customer data theft, even though systems were deactivated to lessen the consequences.
The cyber incident exacerbates current difficulties for JLR, which had already delayed the introduction of its electric Range Rover and Jaguar vehicles. Initially planned for an earlier launch, the postponement was attributed to prolonged testing and waiting for a rise in market demand.
JLR is not the only entity encountering such threats. This incident is part of a worldwide rise in cyber and ransomware attacks that have been striking various sectors. In recent times, other UK companies such as retailer M&S and Co-op Group have also faced comparable cyber security challenges.
The recent cyber incident affecting Jaguar Land Rover emphasizes the susceptibility of even large firms to advanced cyber threats. While JLR strives to restore its operations, the event highlights the necessity for strong cyber security protocols amid a growing global trend of cyber assaults.
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In a pivotal finding, Darktrace researchers have recorded the initial instance of NBMiner cryptomining malware that employs a PowerShell-based tactic to infiltrate legitimate Windows processes with malicious code. This attack was identified on a retail and e-commerce network, representing a fresh advancement in the cryptojacking landscape.
The incident initiated when an infected desktop device accessed a dubious IP address. A PowerShell script named infect.ps1 was retrieved, serving as the primary dropper for the malware. The script was extensively obfuscated using Base64 and XOR encoded information, highlighting the attackers’ advanced programming capabilities.
After decryption, the script generated a valid AutoIt executable located in the application’s data directory of the system. The malware utilized sophisticated evasion strategies, specifically targeting the Windows Character Map application to attain full memory access and circumvent conventional security protocols. These techniques underscore the attackers’ comprehensive knowledge of Windows environments.
In order to remain undetected, the malware employed a variety of anti-sandboxing and privilege escalation strategies. It verified the presence of antivirus software, proceeding only if Windows Defender was the exclusive protection in place. It also tried to bypass User Account Control warnings to secure enhanced privileges.
Within the authentic process, the payload for cryptomining was allocated in memory, decrypted, and executed, simulating legitimate operations. This tactic complicates detection for security tools reliant on process observation. The cryptominer linked to the asia.ravenminer.com pool, mining Ravencoin while concealing its activities.
This newly identified cryptomining assault exemplifies the escalating sophistication of cyber threats in the cryptocurrency domain. By employing advanced methodologies in PowerShell and AutoIt for process injection, attackers can effectively mask malevolent activities as legitimate, presenting substantial difficulties for detection and counteraction.
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For those who are not aware, hook turns represent a distinct traffic regulation in Melbourne, tailored to support the city’s tram system. To execute a right turn across tram lines, drivers must first shift to the left lane and wait for the correct signal prior to completing the turn.
Tesla has consistently led the charge in autonomous driving innovation, and its FSD (Supervised) system exemplifies this. The company acknowledged that successfully maneuvering through Melbourne’s hook turns would serve as a key evaluation of its system’s effectiveness.
In a recent assessment, Tesla’s FSD system showcased its ability to execute a hook turn. As the car neared the intersection, it signaled a right turn from the left lane, adhering to the specific procedures necessary for hook turns. The system adeptly navigated through the intersection, poised to yield to any approaching trams.
Tesla’s FSD system is distinctly more sophisticated compared to other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offered in Australia. Numerous competitors have yet to equal the functionalities exhibited by Tesla, especially in intricate urban settings such as Melbourne.
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) system is demonstrating its capabilities by adeptly handling Melbourne’s difficult hook turns, highlighting its ability to navigate complex traffic situations. With a significant advantage over other ADAS technologies in Australia, Tesla continues to redefine the frontiers of autonomous driving innovation.
A hook turn is a traffic maneuver utilized in Melbourne to facilitate tram operations. Drivers execute a right turn from the left lane, yielding to trams before completing the turn.
Tesla’s FSD system indicates a right turn from the left lane and waits for the correct signal before finishing the turn, prepared to give way to any trams.
At present, Tesla’s FSD system outperforms other ADAS systems in Australia, particularly in tackling complex situations like hook turns.
Absolutely, drivers are advised to remain vigilant and ready to take control, especially during intricate manoeuvres such as hook turns.
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The NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, has requested that electronic conveyancing provider PEXA Group improve their incident reporting and hasten the resolution process for service outages. Dib recently convened with the ASX-listed company to discuss the transparency issues related to service interruptions over the past 19 months.
PEXA reported 92 outage events in 2024, with 10 attributed to internal matters, while the remaining were associated with external networks such as banks and land registries. For 2025, there were 35 major service interruptions noted, with 15 from internal concerns and 20 related to third-party networks.
During a NSW budget estimates hearing, Dib highlighted the critical need for improved communication and faster response times, pointing to regular updates from the Registrar General regarding outages. He underscored the necessity of differentiating PEXA’s obligations from issues stemming from third parties, a point recognized by PEXA.
Dib’s remarks align with the ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting competition in electronic conveyancing through the interoperability program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC), is designed to establish links between electronic lodgement network operators (ELNOs) such as PEXA and Sympli, and banks involved in real estate transactions.
The reform was halted in June 2024 due to concerns from the banking sector, but it resumed in February 2025, with expected findings due next month. Dib acknowledged the market challenges and expressed interest in a cross-functional ministerial forum on e-conveyancing, advocating for increased federal participation.
PEXA is being urged by the NSW government to better manage its service outages and increase transparency in its reporting practices. As the reforms in the e-conveyancing domain continue to develop, the emphasis remains on enhancing competition and ensuring reliable service.
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Fetch TV has broadened its channel selection by adding six new channels and integrating Crunchyroll, the well-known anime streaming service. This is a notable change as the Australian pay-TV provider implements its first subscription price raise since 2021, starting from 1 September.
The Moonbug Kids Channel features well-liked children’s shows such as CoComelon, Blippi, and Little Angel, all ad-free. This introduction marks the first dedicated channel for Moonbug on Australian television.
Declassified Military History debuts as a distinct offering, featuring documentaries focused on warfare, military strategies, and intelligence operations, exclusively available in Australia through Fetch TV.
Fetch TV rolls out four genre-specific Stingray music channels: Stingray Loud (rock), Stingray Retro (classic hits), Stingray Country, and Stingray Hits. These channels offer round-the-clock music programming to satisfy a range of musical tastes.
Anime fans can now enjoy access to over 39,000 episodes from more than 1,600 titles, including One Piece and My Hero Academia, through the new Crunchyroll app. A separate subscription is required, pricing between A$10.99 and A$13.99 monthly.
The price modification sees the Vibe, Knowledge, Variety, and Kids packs increasing to $7.99 per month, the Ultimate Pack to $24.99 per month, and the Entertainment Pack to $17.99 monthly. The Movie Box package remains at $2.99 monthly.
Fetch TV CEO Dominic Arena remarked, “This commitment to premium content illustrates our dedication to providing excellent value and a wide entertainment range for Australian families.” Nonetheless, customer reactions have varied, with some expressing frustration over the price increases coupled with channel additions viewed as lacking.
Fetch TV’s pricing tweaks follow a four-year period without change, contrasting with several hikes from competitors like Netflix, Stan, and Disney+. Industry analysts point out Fetch’s pricing stability amidst escalating content licensing and inflation challenges.
Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA, APAC & Global Distribution at Moonbug Entertainment, shared his excitement regarding the launch of the Moonbug Channel in Australia, highlighting the chance to share beloved children’s content with more families.
Terry Li, EVP Emerging Businesses at Crunchyroll, recognized Australia’s enthusiastic anime community and praised the integration with Fetch TV as a means to deliver top-notch Japanese content directly into Australian homes.
Current subscribers will see price adjustments reflected in their initial billing cycle beginning 1 September, potentially incurring pro-rata charges based on billing timing. Subscription management is available through the Fetch device menu, allowing users to cancel services while maintaining access until the end of their billing period.
The channel additions are designed to enhance Fetch’s role as a versatile entertainment option, combining traditional cable-style content with on-demand and streaming services like Netflix.
Fetch TV’s expansion featuring new channels and Crunchyroll integration comes alongside subscription price increases, ending a four-year price freeze. While some customers appreciate the varied content, others criticize the price hikes. Fetch TV continues to assert itself as a competitive alternative to streaming giants, emphasizing stable pricing and unique content collaborations.
