Category: Australia Tech News

Quick Overview

• An Optus network malfunction is unlikely linked to the death of an infant in South Australia.
• The family was impacted by the disruption, yet they managed to successfully call 000 using a different phone.
• The State Coroner will carry out a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain if an inquest is warranted.
• Another death associated with the outage is still being investigated in depth.
• The disruption occurred due to a firewall upgrade, which halted Triple Zero for 13 hours.

Impact of Optus Disruption on Emergency Services

An Optus network disruption that rendered Triple Zero calls unavailable for approximately 13 hours has raised serious concerns nationwide. Initial inquiries by SA Police indicate that this incident is unlikely to have played a direct role in the heartbreaking death of an eight-week-old infant in South Australia. The child’s grandmother, upon realizing her grandson was not breathing, initially struggled to connect to 000. However, she successfully dialed using another mobile phone available in the home.

Investigation by the State Coroner

Although the initial call attempt did not succeed, investigations suggest that the child’s death was not a result of any delay by the SA Ambulance Service. The inquiry has been referred to the State Coroner, who will determine if an inquest is necessary. This accountability is vital considering public interest and the possible ramifications for emergency service practices.

Current Investigations of Related Deaths

The ramifications of the Optus disruption extend beyond this singular incident. Another fatality in the state is being examined, with investigators looking into how the interruption of the 000 service may have influenced the situation. This case is deemed more intricate and remains under the spotlight for law enforcement and emergency responders.

Technical Reasons Behind the Outage

The disruption, which temporarily ceased the Triple Zero emergency service, stemmed from a firewall upgrade executed by Optus. This technical error left Australians without emergency service access for a crucial 13-hour interval, raising major concerns about the stability of telecommunications systems.

Conclusion

The Optus network disruption has exposed weaknesses in accessing emergency services during technical failures. While preliminary investigations indicate the outage did not directly contribute to the death of a baby in South Australia, the effects of such interruptions remain under examination. The ongoing inquiries are critical for enhancing future emergency service dependability nationwide.

Q: What triggered the Optus Triple Zero disruption?

A: The disruption was initiated by a firewall upgrade that unintentionally rendered the Triple Zero emergency calling service inoperative for approximately 13 hours.

Q: Did the Optus disruption cause the infant’s death in South Australia?

A: Initial investigations by SA Police suggest it is improbable that the disruption had a direct impact on the child’s death, as another phone was successfully used to make a 000 call.

Q: What is the State Coroner’s involvement in this matter?

A: The State Coroner will perform a thorough investigation to establish if an inquest is required to further explore the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Q: Are there additional cases connected to the Optus disruption?

A: Yes, another fatality in South Australia is currently under investigation to understand the outage’s effect, and it is regarded as more complex than the previous case.

Q: How has the public responded to the Optus outage?

A: The disruption has incited considerable public concern and examination of telecommunications providers’ capability to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency services.

Q: What steps are being taken to avert future outages?

A: It is anticipated that both investigations and public pressure will lead to improved protocols and technological safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Brief Overview

• Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has arrived in Australia, showcasing a vision for the future of self-driving vehicles.
• The rollout of FSD (Supervised) represents a major milestone for local Tesla enthusiasts.
• There is currently no need for regulatory approval for the FSD (Supervised) feature set in Australia.
• An Australia-wide framework for autonomous vehicles is projected to be established by late 2026.
• Tesla FSD (Supervised) offers a driving experience akin to that of a human, effectively managing intricate situations.
• This technology is poised to revolutionize transportation and lower expenses once FSD (unsupervised) is released.
• The public introduction of FSD (Supervised) is anticipated shortly, with a current price tag of A$10,100.

Tesla’s FSD Launch in Australia

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has at long last reached Australia, signifying a crucial moment for the local Tesla community. Following years of expectation, Tesla owners in Australia can now take advantage of the sophisticated functionalities of FSD (Supervised), a technology set to transform the driving landscape.

Regulatory Context

Although the launch of FSD (Supervised) is a noteworthy achievement, it functions without needing regulatory approval in its present configuration. However, for the introduction of FSD (unsupervised) as part of their robotaxi service, regulatory endorsement will be necessary. The National Transport Commission (NTC) is striving to synchronize autonomous vehicle regulations among states, with a framework anticipated by the end of 2026.

Enhanced Driving Features

The FSD (Supervised) software marks significant progress in automotive advancements, exceeding traditional driver assistance mechanisms like Tesla’s Autopilot. It utilizes a comprehensive strategy with eight cameras to observe the environment, delivering a human-like driving encounter. The system effectively navigates intricate driving challenges with impressive accuracy, although driver oversight remains a requirement.

Potential for Change

FSD (Supervised) has the potential to alter transportation within Australia. It provides mobility alternatives for individuals at the conclusion of their driving journey and could greatly lower transportation costs by removing drivers in forthcoming robotaxi services. The system’s capacity to manage routine journeys without intervention raises considerations regarding the necessity of human drivers.

Deployment Schedule

In spite of the remarkable capabilities of FSD (Supervised), the public launch is still awaited. Tesla intends to extend the deployment once a new version is prepared. Anticipation is high among Australian Tesla owners who have been eagerly awaiting this technology.

Cost and Accessibility

Tesla’s FSD is listed at A$10,100. It can be acquired at the point of sale or added subsequently, based on the vehicle’s specifications. Tesla is dedicated to retrofitting older models, ensuring that more owners can enjoy the advantages of FSD in the future.

Conclusion

Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) in Australia presents an exciting preview of the future of self-driving vehicles. Despite regulatory obstacles, the technology is poised to revolutionize transportation and offer an unparalleled driving experience. As the deployment progresses, an increasing number of Australians will have the chance to experience this innovative technology.

Q: What exactly is Tesla’s FSD (Supervised)?

A:

Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) is an advanced driver assistance system providing a human-like driving experience, enabling the vehicle to perform complex driving maneuvers while still requiring driver supervision.

Q: Is regulatory approval required for FSD (Supervised) in Australia?

A:

No, the current functionality of FSD (Supervised) does not necessitate regulatory approval in Australia, but FSD (unsupervised) will require regulatory approvals for operation.

Q: In what ways is FSD (Supervised) different from Tesla’s Autopilot?

A:

FSD (Supervised) surpasses Tesla’s Autopilot by providing enhanced capabilities, such as maneuvering through complex scenarios and functioning on unmarked streets, resulting in a more human-like driving encounter.

Q: What is the anticipated pricing for Tesla’s FSD in Australia?

A:

The FSD software is priced at A$10,100, available either during the purchase of the vehicle or as an upgrade later.

Q: When will FSD (Supervised) be readily accessible in Australia?

A:

The public launch of FSD (Supervised) in Australia is expected to happen soon, contingent on finalizing a new software build.

Q: Can FSD (Supervised) function without driver oversight?

A:

At this time, FSD (Supervised) requires driver oversight. The unsupervised variant is still under testing and will need regulatory approval prior to its release.

Brief Overview

• Optus network outage affected emergency Triple Zero calls in South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
• Around 600 customers were impacted, and three fatalities are associated with the event.
• Optus is performing welfare checks and has initiated an investigation.
• Optus CEO Stephen Rue has issued an apology for the outage.
• Authorities are conducting investigations and a report will be compiled for the State Coroner.
• ACCAN advocates for enhanced reliability in emergency calling systems.

Impact of Optus Network Outage on Emergency Services

An unforeseen network outage from Optus has significantly hindered its capacity to handle Triple Zero calls in South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The event, which transpired during a network upgrade, affected around 600 customers and has sadly been connected to three deaths. This unfortunate incident emphasizes the essential need for dependable emergency services.

Welfare Checks by Optus

In the aftermath of the outage, Optus has commenced welfare checks on households that tried to make calls during the incident. To date, three cases have been reported where individuals tragically lost their lives. These welfare checks are ongoing as Optus seeks to understand the full scope of the impact.

Apology from the CEO and Investigation Commitment

Optus CEO Stephen Rue conveyed sincere regret over the incident, mentioning that the company is conducting an urgent investigation to reveal the truth. Rue offered a sincere apology to the customers affected and expressed condolences to the families who suffered losses, characterizing the event as utterly unacceptable.

Investigations by Authorities

Authorities, including SA Police, are carrying out their own investigations into the incident. A report is anticipated to be compiled for the State Coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities in South Australia due to the outage.

Repeated Failures and Consequences

This incident represents the latest in a succession of failures by telecommunications companies in Australia regarding the handling of emergency calls. Previously, Optus and its subsidiaries encountered a $12 million fine for similar issues, while Telstra was penalized with a $3 million fine for a Triple Zero outage. Customers of TPG Telecom also experienced temporary disconnections during a network decommissioning.

ACCAN’s Call for Improvement

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has labeled the situation a tragedy, underscoring the vital necessity for dependable emergency services access. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett expressed dismay over recurring failures, advocating for enhancements to ensure that Australians can rely on their calls to Triple Zero to connect reliably.

Conclusion

The Optus network incident highlights the crucial requirement for consistent emergency service connectivity, with tragic repercussions stemming from the outage. Both Optus and the relevant authorities are actively probing the situation, while consumer advocates are pushing for better safeguards to avert future occurrences.

Q: What triggered the Optus outage?

A: The outage was caused by a network failure during an upgrade, affecting the ability to make emergency calls.

Q: How many customers experienced the impact?

A: Approximately 600 customers in South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia faced difficulties connecting to Triple Zero services.

Q: What steps is Optus taking in response?

A: Optus is performing welfare checks on the impacted households and has started an investigation into the occurrence.

Q: Has a similar incident occurred previously?

A: Yes, there have been prior incidents where Optus and other telcos failed to connect emergency calls, leading to penalties.

Q: What actions are the authorities taking?

A: SA Police and other relevant authorities are conducting investigations and will prepare a report for the State Coroner.

Q: What has been ACCAN’s response to the incident?

A: ACCAN has referred to the incident as a tragedy and emphasized the necessity for reliable emergency service access.

Q: What penalties have been previously imposed on telcos for similar incidents?

A: Optus has been fined $12 million, and Telstra was fined $3 million for failures related to Triple Zero calls.

Latest Update for ESO: Navigate Water on Your Mount

Quick Overview

• Update 47 for ESO features mount swimming, a highly sought-after functionality.
• The Feast of Shadows dungeon pack introduces two new dungeons: Black Gem Foundry and Naj-Caldeesh.
• Quality-of-life enhancements comprise stackable survey reports and better compass features.
• Both Update 47 and the Feast of Shadows are available on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox.
• This dungeon pack is part of the 2025 Content Pass and sets the stage for the Writhing Wall Event.

Base Game Update

The Elder Scrolls Online’s Update 47 is live across all platforms at no extra cost to players. This update is filled with features designed to enhance game functionality. The most notable addition is mount swimming, which enables players to navigate through water without needing to dismount.

Additional features include stackable survey reports for easier inventory management, the capability to replay quest dialogues, and enhancements to the in-game compass for improved navigation. The compass now correctly indicates distances to landmarks on the map, aiding players in their strategic planning.

To update, just launch your Elder Scrolls Online launcher, and the new patch will be applied automatically.

Feast of Shadows Dungeon Pack

Included in the 2025 Content Pass, the Feast of Shadows dungeon pack continues the Seasons of the Worm Cult storyline. It brings forth two new four-player dungeons: Black Gem Foundry and Naj-Caldeesh. Players can anticipate challenging PvE scenarios, fresh boss encounters, and plentiful loot while facing necromancers and their soul-harvesting plots on Solstice Island.

These dungeons pave the way for the upcoming Writhing Wall Event, expected to impact the game world later in 2025. The Feast of Shadows is available on all platforms and can be accessed via ESO Plus, the 2025 Content Pass, or the Premium Edition. Players can acquire these upgrades directly from the official ESO website.

Conclusion

The latest update for The Elder Scrolls Online introduces meaningful gameplay improvements and fresh content. With features like mount swimming and new dungeons, players have plenty to discover in the vast world of ESO.

Q&A

Q: On which platforms is Update 47 available?

A: Update 47 is accessible on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Q: What does the Feast of Shadows entail?

A: The Feast of Shadows is a dungeon pack that introduces two new dungeons and is included in the 2025 Content Pass.

Q: How can I access the new dungeons?

A: The dungeons are part of ESO Plus, the 2025 Content Pass, or the Premium Edition, which are all available on the ESO website.

Q: What quality-of-life enhancements does Update 47 include?

A: Update 47 features mount swimming, stackable survey reports, and an upgraded compass for navigation.

Brief Overview

• A severe flaw in Microsoft Entra ID was uncovered, impacting global admin access throughout Azure tenants.
• The issue related to the handling of legacy authentication tokens and was resolved by Microsoft.
• Actor tokens enabled cross-tenant access, circumventing security protocols like Conditional Access.
• The outdated Azure AD Graph API’s interface lacked adequate validation and logging for audits.
• This vulnerability could spread across organizations due to Azure B2B guest accounts.

Unveiling a Severe Vulnerability

A researcher from the Netherlands, Dirk-jan Mollema, disclosed a serious flaw in Microsoft Entra ID, potentially granting attackers the ability to compromise global admin access across all Azure tenants globally. This discovery represents a pivotal moment in cybersecurity, emphasizing the threats related to legacy authentication token handling.

Grasping the Vulnerability

The vulnerability, identified by Mollema in July 2023, consisted of undocumented impersonation tokens and a defect in the Azure Active Directory Graph API. These tokens, essential for communication among backend services, evaded security protocols like Conditional Access, leading to possible exploitation.

Effects on Global Admins and Organizations

This flaw allowed attackers to authenticate as any user, including Global Admins, across various tenants. Such superuser accounts are vital for managing Entra ID tenants, and their compromise could result in severe security breaches, including the establishment of new identities and permissions.

The outdated Azure AD Graph API lacked thorough audit logging, complicating administrators’ efforts to identify suspicious activities. This vulnerability broadened access to Microsoft 365 and Azure, creating further security risks.

Risk of Propagation and Organizational Trust

The potential for widespread propagation of the vulnerability was concerning. Organizations employing Azure business-to-business guest accounts could inadvertently enable cross-tenant attacks, as attackers could mimic guest users in their native tenants.

“The information necessary to compromise most tenants worldwide could have been collected in a matter of minutes using a single Actor token,” Mollema remarked.

Conclusion

The identification of this critical vulnerability highlights the necessity for strong security protocols and frequent audits of legacy systems. Although Microsoft has rectified the problem, this event serves as a clear reminder of the constantly changing landscape of cybersecurity threats.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the main problem with the vulnerability?

A: The issue arose from flaws in handling legacy authentication tokens, permitting cross-tenant access without appropriate validation.

Q: How did Microsoft address the vulnerability?

A: Microsoft implemented a patch to rectify the vulnerability, resolving issues related to legacy tokens and the Azure AD Graph API to avert further exploitation.

Q: What dangers did the vulnerability pose to organizations?

A: It posed threats of unauthorized access to global admin accounts, potential data breaches, and the risk of undermining organizational trust relationships.

Q: What steps can organizations take to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future?

A: Organizations should consistently update their systems, perform security audits, and reduce reliance on legacy interfaces to lessen vulnerability exposure.