Muxcap.com Reviews: What Traders Need to Know

Online trading has revolutionized how people participate in financial markets. The days of requiring large capital, knowledge of complex systems, or even proximity to trading hubs are long gone. Today, individuals can trade stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, and more directly from their devices. The ease of access and wide range of assets available means that anyone with an internet connection can become an active market participant. However, with this convenience comes the need for a robust and secure platform to manage trades effectively.

As the popularity of digital assets and online trading continues to soar, Muxcap.com has emerged as one of the noteworthy platforms offering these trading opportunities. Now, let’s explore what makes Muxcap stand out in this crowded landscape.

What Is Muxcap?

Muxcap is an online trading platform that offers users access to multiple financial markets, including stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Designed for traders of all experience levels, the platform emphasizes user-friendly features, advanced trading tools, and competitive spreads. Muxcap aims to provide traders with a comprehensive experience, allowing them to diversify their portfolios and explore new investment opportunities in an intuitive environment.

With a strong focus on security and transparency, Muxcap operates under strict regulations to ensure users’ funds are protected and all trades are executed with high integrity. As you will see in this Muxcap review, the platform’s range of tools, assets, and customer support options make it an appealing choice for traders worldwide.

Range of Markets on Muxcap

One of the standout features of Muxcap is its wide range of markets available for trading. Whether you’re interested in traditional assets like stocks and commodities or the booming world of cryptocurrencies, Muxcap provides a diverse selection for traders to explore. The platform allows users to trade:

  • Stocks: Access a variety of global stocks across major markets such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and more.
  • Forex: Trade currency pairs from the most liquid markets worldwide, including major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and emerging market pairs.
  • Commodities: Invest in precious metals, oil, and agricultural products, helping traders hedge against inflation or capitalize on global trends.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Muxcap also supports cryptocurrency trading, offering access to popular coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a range of altcoins.

The platform’s broad asset offering provides traders the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of multiple market movements, making it suitable for a variety of trading strategies.

Margin Trading on Muxcap

For traders seeking higher potential returns and willing to take on more risk, Muxcap offers margin trading. This allows users to leverage their positions, controlling a larger trade with a smaller initial deposit. Margin trading can amplify gains, but it also comes with increased risk. Here’s how it works on Muxcap:

  • Leverage Options: Muxcap offers competitive leverage, allowing traders to multiply their potential profits (or losses) by borrowing capital.
  • Risk Management Tools: The platform provides several risk management tools to help protect traders from significant losses, such as stop-loss orders and take-profit levels.
  • Flexibility: Traders can apply margin trading across multiple asset classes, including forex, stocks, and crypto.

While margin trading can be a powerful tool for experienced traders, beginners should approach it cautiously and fully understand the risks before engaging in leveraged trading.

Customer Support

Strong customer support is critical when choosing a trading platform, and Muxcap places a high priority on providing responsive assistance to its users. The platform offers:

  • 24/5 Support: Muxcap’s customer support team is available around the clock to assist with any technical or account-related issues.
  • Email Support: For more detailed inquiries or non-urgent issues, users can reach the support team via email, typically receiving a response within a few hours.
  • Extensive Knowledge Base: Muxcap provides a comprehensive knowledge base with guides, FAQs, and educational materials to help traders navigate the platform and understand trading strategies.

With a commitment to ensuring traders have the tools and resources they need to succeed, Muxcap provides a reliable support infrastructure that can assist users at every stage of their trading journey.

Account Opening Process

Opening an account with Muxcap is quick and easy. The platform aims to provide an accessible process for traders at all levels, and here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: Create an account by providing basic personal information, such as your name, email, and phone number.
  2. Verification: For security and regulatory purposes, Muxcap requires identity verification. Users will need to upload proof of identity and address documents.
  3. Fund Your Account: Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds using various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and e-wallets.
  4. Start Trading: After funding your account, you can start trading across the markets offered by Muxcap.

The process is streamlined to ensure that users can quickly begin trading while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Alternatives to Muxcap Platform

While Muxcap is a competitive option, there are several other trading platforms available that offer similar features. Some alternatives include:

  • eToro: Known for its social trading features, eToro allows users to copy the trades of experienced investors. It offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.
  • Binance: A major player in cryptocurrency trading, Binance offers a huge range of crypto assets and trading pairs with competitive fees.
  • MetaTrader 4/5: Popular for forex and CFDs, MetaTrader is used by millions of traders globally. It offers advanced charting, technical analysis tools, and automated trading.
  • Interactive Brokers: Best for advanced traders, Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of assets, margin trading, and sophisticated trading tools for professional investors.

Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so traders should carefully evaluate their needs and preferences when choosing an alternative.

Final Thoughts: Is Muxcap the Right Platform for Your Trading Goals in 2025?

Muxcap offers a comprehensive trading experience with a wide range of markets, margin trading options, and excellent customer support. Whether you’re looking to trade stocks, forex, or cryptocurrencies, the platform provides the tools and flexibility needed for traders at all levels. The easy account setup and regulatory compliance add an extra layer of trust and security for users.

However, like any platform, Muxcap is not without competition. Alternatives like eToro, Binance, and MetaTrader provide unique features that may appeal to specific types of traders. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your trading goals, asset preferences, and risk tolerance.If you’re seeking a platform that offers a user-friendly interface, advanced tools, and diverse asset options, as you’ll see in this Muxcap review, Muxcap is a solid choice to consider in 2025 and beyond.

Intel’s New Co-CEOs Step Up to a Difficult Task On Earnings Call

Intel had their earnings call this week and the Co-CEOs did an amazing job. Losing a CEO like Pat Gelsinger in an unplanned fashion is never easy. Gelsinger was well connected to Intel’s founding team, so he was more well regarded than most. The next CEO(s) already has a number of things to overcome, including animosity for his predecessor’s firing. But succession wasn’t solid in Intel, so instead of one replacement, two people were selected to run the company. This is the second time Intel has done this, and it didn’t work out well the first time. This means that the co-CEOs, who are temporary, have significant command and control problems because they aren’t permanent, and they aren’t one person. Intel was both undergoing a turnaround and significantly expanding its manufacturing capabilities that were tied to funding from the U.S. government which has largely killed that support. This is all to say the degree of difficulty is off the charts.

In short, this is not a job I’d wish on anyone, but despite that, Intel’s initial showing in its quarterly earnings report was impressively well done. 

The Goal of the First Quarterly Report

With the departure of a well-regarded CEO (well, any CEO actually), there are three audiences that need to be effectively addressed, or the company will bleed valuation and revenue. Those three audiences are customers, employees and investors. These are the three critical legs of the stool, and you can’t ignore any of them. 

These audiences will be highly skeptical of success, so setting a tone that comes across as honest, candid and humble without appearing weak while telling a credible story of impending future success is a huge ask, and few do this well. Of course it does help that the quarterly results beat expectations. 

Generally, you measure the success of this kind of effort by the coverage it gets, and the coverage has been surprisingly good given the condition people expected Intel to be in given the removal of its CEO. For instance, CNBC, which was the most negative, still said, “Intel issues weak forecast, but beats on fourth-quarter results”. While the weak forecast is a concern, it establishes credibility, and beating the street with your results is always beneficial to the company reporting. Reuters just focused on the positive by headlining, “Intel’s quarterly revenue tops expectations as investors await new CEO”. Bloomberg was in line with the headline, “Intel Fourth-Quarter Sales Beat Estimates During Turnaround,” again focusing on the positive and avoiding most of the negative entirely. 

This is all reflective of the fact that the executives presented themselves, and Intel, extremely well during the quarterly report presentation, and the financial media was more than satisfied with what they heard and saw. They clearly knew Intel was in trouble, but by the end of the call, they were generally on board with Intel’s direction and temporary leadership. 

The Co-CEOs Performance

Michelle Johnston Holthaus went first and did an excellent job setting the tone for the presentation. She was candid, direct and stayed in her lane, which gave her co-CEO a strong foundation for his talk. Women CEOs are problematic given the current environment. They generally have to work harder, longer and under far more difficult circumstances as executives because large company executive teams and boards tend to be old white boys clubs. Intel has done a decent job over the years, and I think the semi-conductor industry at large has been better than most. AMD’s highly respected and recognized CEO Lisa Su is an example of that. While not all women CEOs are well trained (they are often selected because the job was badly screwed up by a male predecessor), that hasn’t been the case recently. In this market, Holthaus comes across as extremely well qualified and competent. 

One thing Holthaus said really stood out as well thought through and delivered: “As co-CEOs, you can expect us to be very straightforward and direct. We will only make commitments we are confident we can deliver. We firmly believe that what we say is not nearly as important as what we do. And everything we do must be in service of our customers. Innovating to solve their most pressing challenges is the surest path to creating shareholder value. 

This is the mindset I have brought to my position as the CEO of Intel Products. This is a great business with great people, partners and IP (intellectual property) to design world-class products from edge to cloud. I take nothing for granted, but I firmly believe that the core x86 architecture and the ecosystems we have built and invested in over the decades create a solid foundation for success.” 

This was humble, helped establish a foundation of trust and made what followed all the more credible.

Dave Zinsner, the other co-CEO, addressed the elephant in the room: What was going to happen with Pat Gelsinger’s pet project to expand Intel manufacturing to become a strategic asset for the U.S.? His presentation was more nuts and bolts because Holthaus set such a strong foundation he didn’t need to build trust. That had already been done. He simply stated the progress, and that Intel continues to move to establish an independent subsidiary for Intel’s foundry business and why this business remains important to U.S. national security. 

Because of the concerns that Intel is unique in having both FABs and foundry, he did spend some time talking about the importance of both efforts, while also pointing out that the company is focusing on reducing costs to improve overall financial performance, which again built trust and set in place some milestones that the financial media accepted.

Wrapping Up:  

Intel’s co-CEOs Michelle Johnston Holthaus and Dave Zinsner had a strong performance for this quarter’s report, helped by Intel’s solid results and overshadowing a relatively weak forecast by providing direction that made it clear Intel was recovering and making progress. They were credible and did an excellent job of focusing their audiences on a stronger and brighter future for Intel. 

They did an excellent job, and credit goes to the folks in Coms who helped write the presentations and the solid work done by the co-CEOs. Overall, this was very nicely done. 

Translating educational content: four key principles

As an organisation with global reach, translation and localisation have been part of the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s activities from the start. Code Clubs and educational partners all over the world are helping young people learn about computing in their own language. We’ve already published over 1,900 translated learning resources, covering up to 32 languages, thanks to the work of our talented localisation team and our amazing community of volunteer translators.

How our approach to translation considers design, process and people

English is seen by many as the language of computing, and in many countries, it’s also either the language of education or a language that young people aspire to learn. However, English is, in some instances, a barrier to learning: young people in many communities don’t have enough knowledge of English to use it to learn about digital technologies, or even if they do, the language of communication with other students, teachers, or volunteers may not be English.

Our ‘Space Talk’ project in Latin American Spanish
Our ‘Space Talk’ project in Latin American Spanish

In a world where browsers can instantly translate web pages and large language models can power seemingly perfect conversations in virtually any language, it’s easy to assume that translation just happens and that somehow, technology takes care of it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Technology is certainly crucial to translation, but there’s much more to it than that. Our approach to translation involves considering design, process, and people to ensure that localised materials truly help young people with their learning journey. 

Localisation or translation?

Localisation and translation are similar terms that are often used interchangeably. Localisation normally refers to adapting a product to suit a local market, whereas translation is a subset of localisation that involves changing the language of the text. For instance, localisation includes currencies, measurements, formatting dates and numbers, and contextual references. Meanwhile, translation involves only changing the language of the text, such as from English to French.

Learners at a Code Club.

At the Raspberry Pi Foundation, we see translation as an enabler. It enables volunteers to reach learners, learners to succeed in their educational goals, and the Foundation to achieve its mission all over the world.

Four key ways the Foundation maximises the impact and reach of our translated materials

1. Create with localisation in mind

Regardless of whether learning materials are intended for English-speaking or global audiences, it’s important to create and design them with localisation in mind. That way, they can be used in a variety of places, and any piece of content (text, graphics, or illustrations) can be modified to meet the needs of the target audience. Keeping localisation in mind might include allowing space for text expansion, being mindful of any text embedded in graphic elements, and even making sure the context is understandable for a variety of audiences. Making a piece of content localisable at the creation stage is virtually cost-free. Modifying fully built assets to translate them or to use them in other markets can be expensive and extremely time-consuming!

2. Always have user needs and priorities upfront

Before investing in localising or translating any materials, we seek to understand the needs and priorities of our users. In many countries where English is not the usual language of communication, materials in English are a barrier, even if some of the users have a working knowledge of English. Making materials available in local languages directly results in additional reach and enhanced learning outcomes. In other communities where English has a certain status, a more selective approach may be more appropriate. A full translation may not be expected, but translating or adapting elements within them, such as introductions, videos, infographics, or glossaries, can help engage new learners.

Photo of a young person coding on a desktop computer.

3. Maximise the use of technology

While it’s possible to translate with pen and paper, translation is only scalable with the use of technology. Computer-assisted translation tools, translation memories, terminology databases, machine translation, large language models, and so on are all technologies that play their part in making the translation process more efficient and scalable. 

At the Foundation, we make use of a variety of translation technologies and also, crucially, work very closely with our content and development teams to integrate their tools and processes into the overall localisation workflow. 

4. Take great care of the people

Even with the best technology and the smoothest integrations, there is a human element that is absolutely essential. Our amazing community of volunteers and partners work very closely with learners in their communities. They understand the needs of those learners and have a wealth of information and insights. We work with them to prioritise, translate, review and test the learning materials. They are key to ensuring that our learning materials help our users reach their learning goals.

In summary

Thinking about localisation from the moment we start creating learning materials, understanding the needs of users when creating our end goals, maximising the use of technology, and taking good care of our people and partners are the key principles that drive our translation effort. 

If you’d like to find out more about translation at the Raspberry Pi Foundation or would like to contribute to the translation of our learning materials, feel free to contact us at translation@raspberrypi.org.  

A version of this article also appears in Hello World issue 23.

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DeepSeek

Foundation: 2023

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China

Founder: Liang Wenfeng

Website

Executive Summary: DeepSeek was founded in May 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, who previously established High-Flyer, a quantitative hedge fund in Hangzhou, China. Liang, an AI enthusiast with a background in computer science from Zhejiang University, began his entrepreneurial journey with High-Flyer in 2015, focusing on AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer was exclusively using AI for its trading, amassing over 10,000 Nvidia A100 GPUs before US export restrictions on AI chips to China were imposed.

The pivot to DeepSeek came from a desire to delve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) research, separate from High-Flyer’s financial operations. This move was catalyzed by the global interest in AI following the advent of models like ChatGPT. DeepSeek was initially part of High-Flyer before becoming its own entity in May 2023.

DeepSeek’s approach has been distinct, focusing on open-source AI models and prioritizing innovation over immediate commercialization. Its first significant release was DeepSeek Coder in November 2023, followed by DeepSeek LLM in November of the same year. The company’s breakthrough came with DeepSeek-V2 in May 2024, which not only showcased strong performance but also initiated a price war in China’s AI sector due to its cost-effectiveness.

By December 2024, DeepSeek-V3 was launched, trained with significantly fewer resources than its peers, yet matching top-tier performance. This model, along with subsequent releases like DeepSeek-R1 in January 2025, has positioned DeepSeek as a key player in the global AI landscape, challenging established tech giants and marking a notable moment in AI development.

The post DeepSeek appeared first on Akihabara News.

The Sputnik Moment of Artificial Intelligence

Akihabara News — In what has been dubbed the “Sputnik moment” of Artificial Intelligence, a Chinese startup named DeepSeek has catapulted to the forefront of the global AI race, challenging the long-held dominance of American tech giants. The launch of DeepSeek’s latest AI model, DeepSeek-V3, has not only surprised Silicon Valley but also sparked a significant reevaluation of the strategies and investments in AI development worldwide.

DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou and backed by the Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, has unveiled an AI model that rivals, and in some cases outperforms, leading Western models like those from OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic. Remarkably, DeepSeek-V3 was trained using a fraction of the resources typically required, spending less than US$6 million in contrast to the billions invested by US companies.

This achievement has led to a market rout, with shares of major tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta experiencing sharp declines as investors digest the implications of this disruptive technology.

The DeepSeek model’s efficiency is attributed to innovative techniques, including the use of Nvidia’s H800 chips for training, which are less powerful than those typically used in the United States but still enabled DeepSeek to achieve high performance levels. This has raised questions about the efficacy of US export controls aimed at restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology, highlighting a potential gap in strategy that might not hinder China’s AI progress as intended.

The narrative around AI development has shifted dramatically, with DeepSeek’s success suggesting that the future of AI might not lie in sheer computational power but in smarter, more efficient use of existing resources.

This “Sputnik moment” echoes the shock and awe the United States felt when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957, pushing America to accelerate its space program. Similarly, DeepSeek’s advancements are seen as a call to action for US tech leaders to innovate beyond the current paradigm of AI development, focusing on cost-effective and resource-efficient approaches.

Moreover, DeepSeek’s open-source approach to its models amplifies its impact, allowing developers worldwide to build upon and refine these technologies. This openness contrasts sharply with the proprietary models of many Western companies, potentially democratizing AI development and fostering a new wave of global collaboration and innovation. However, this also raises concerns about the control and ethical implications of AI, especially given the different regulatory environments in China compared to the West.

The implications for the global tech industry are profound. Not only does DeepSeek challenge the market dominance of US AI companies, but it also casts doubt on the sustainability of the current AI boom, which relies heavily on investments in expensive hardware. As AI models become more accessible and less costly to develop, the barrier to entry for new players decreases, potentially leading to a more diverse and competitive AI landscape.

In response, there’s a palpable sense of urgency in the United States to adapt and innovate. Discussions are already underway about how to strengthen AI research and development, with some suggesting a need for new strategies that could include more aggressive investments in foundational AI research, revising export controls, and fostering innovation in AI infrastructure that doesn’t solely depend on cutting-edge hardware.

As the dust settles on this AI Sputnik moment, the industry watches closely. DeepSeek has not only set a new benchmark for AI efficiency but has also initiated a global conversation on the future direction of AI technology development, spotlighting the need for agility, innovation, and perhaps, a rethinking of the entire AI development model.

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Samsung Halts Supply of AI Chips to Baidu

Akihabara News — Samsung Electronics has ceased the supply of its AI chips to Baidu, a significant move prompted by stringent US export controls aimed at China. The decision, which took effect on January 22, involves the cessation of packaging for the AI chip known as “Kunlun.” This development impacts Baidu’s high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, as the Kunlun chip was crucial for their AI initiatives.

The Kunlun chip was part of a collaboration between Samsung and Baidu since its introduction in 2019. The halt in supply reflects the broader implications of the escalating tech tensions between the United States and China, with the US government implementing increasingly tight regulations on advanced technology exports to China.

This strategic pivot by Samsung underscores the delicate balance the company must maintain between business opportunities and compliance with international trade laws. For Baidu, the cessation of the Kunlun chip supply could potentially slow down its AI development projects, pushing the company to seek alternative solutions or accelerate its own chip development efforts.

The move is part of a series of actions following US export restrictions on advanced semiconductors, which have been expanded to include more countries and technologies. These restrictions aim to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technology, particularly in areas like AI and high-performance computing, which are seen as critical for both economic and national security reasons.

Samsung and Baidu have not issued further statements on the matter beyond acknowledging the halt in supply, and no additional details regarding the impact on their respective operations or future collaborations have been disclosed.

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Masayoshi Son Invests in Trump 2.0

Akihabara News — In a bold move signaling renewed faith in the United States under the second term of President Donald Trump, Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank Group, has announced an ambitious initiative that promises to significantly bolster the American economy. This follows a series of high-profile meetings and public appearances with Trump, highlighting a deepening partnership between the Japanese billionaire and the US administration.

On the first full day of Trump’s second term, Son stood alongside the president at a press conference in the White House, where he announced a staggering investment plan aimed at developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States. This initiative, dubbed “Stargate,” is not only a continuation but also an expansion of previous commitments. Son pledged an initial investment of US$100 billion, with an ambition to reach $500 billion over the next four years, targeting the creation of over 100,000 jobs in AI and related sectors.

The relationship between Son and Trump has its roots in the billionaire’s first promise back in 2016 when he committed US$50 billion to the United States, which included investments in companies like WeWork, although with mixed outcomes.

This time, the focus is sharply on AI, leveraging partnerships with tech giants like Arm, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI, where SoftBank will finance and OpenAI will handle operations.

Son’s announcement was met with enthusiasm from the Trump administration, which has been vocal about revitalizing American industry, particularly in cutting-edge technologies. President Trump himself praised Son’s commitment, playfully urging him during the press conference to “double down” on his investment, a nod to their previous interactions where similar jests had led to larger investment pledges.

This new initiative is seen as a testament to the “Trump Effect”–the perceived boost in investor confidence following Trump’s electoral victories.

Posts on social media platforms like X have celebrated this move, with many users likening it to the dawn of a “Golden Age” for America, echoing Son’s own optimistic rhetoric about the future of AI in the United States.

However, this partnership isn’t without its skeptics. Critics point to SoftBank’s past investments, where high expectations did not always yield the anticipated results, questioning how this massive financial commitment will translate into tangible job creation and technological advancement. There’s also scrutiny over how this investment will be funded, with analysts suggesting a combination of SoftBank’s balance sheet, new debt, or asset sales might be necessary.

Nevertheless, the immediate market response was positive, with SoftBank shares jumping following the announcement, indicating investor confidence in this venture. As Trump begins his second term with promises of economic rejuvenation, Son’s pledge is one of the first significant endorsements of that vision, setting a tone for what could be a transformative era for US tech and industry, underpinned by international investment and cooperation.

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Project Stargate: Why IBM Should Be in Charge of It

Project Stargate is both fascinating and extremely frightening if you, like I did, grew up with movies like Colossus: A Forbin Project, WarGames, Terminator, and The Matrix. All of these movies foretold what would happen if we birthed a global-level AI badly. Stargate, named after a movie and series that had nothing to do with AI likely because Skynet would have been too much on the nose, is a $500B project with global implications. 

As those movies showcased, a lot of thought and effort needs to go into assuring the ethics, quality and goals of the AI before it is turned on as it promises to become the biggest and most powerful Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) when it is completed, if OpenAI’s timelines are to be believed. 

As a result, the company leading this effort must be one that knows large-scale monolithic deployments, understands AI from a realistic standpoint (in other words knows both its positive and negative potential and how to avoid the latter), and has demonstrated it can be trusted. 

The Risks of Project Stargate

There are a large number of risks when bringing out a project as aggressive as Stargate appears to be. First, even if the project is completed flawlessly, which is unlikely given how new the technology will be and how complex it will become, it will be a huge magnet for bad behavior. The data it will have access to alone could be worth trillions to companies that want to exploit it, and hostile countries, should they gain control or are able to crash the AI, would have the power to bring the U.S. to its knees in a way that might be unrecoverable should Stargate be connected to much of the U.S.’s military with a growing number of autonomous systems, and given it will also be connected to U.S. infrastructure management.  

Everything from utilities to traffic management could be disrupted were it hacked or poorly programmed, making the risks associated with this project potentially greater than its short-term benefits. This project would need to reflect all of what we’ve learned from AI, its tendency to become biased, its tendency to hallucinate data making for bad decisions, and its tendency to become corrupted by its users. 

The level of security, quality control, checks and balances, and the critical need for an extremely secure off-switch should this thing go off the rails are all critical and need a company that understands the critical nature of these things to be in charge of the project. 

Wrapping Up: Why IBM Should Be in Charge of Project Stargate

IBM is over a century old, and it is decades older than the companies currently planning to run Project Stargate. In addition, IBM started working on AI decades ago. Through its partnership with NVIDIA, IBM knows the technology likely to be used to create Stargate intimately.  

Earlier this month I saw a presentation from IBM on its SAP partnership and the number of banks that continue to rely on IBM above all other providers, choosing Power and Mainframes over more common platforms because of a vastly greater need for security and portability of applications between on-premise and the cloud.  

These are all things even more critical to Stargate, and IBM over and over again demonstrates that when security, quality, reliability and uptime are critical, and with Stargate, the word “critical” is inadequate to cover something that has global implications for the survival of the race, let alone U.S. competitiveness. 

IBM appears to be the only company with the experience, reach, focus on ethics, focus on quality and with the culture to prioritize quality and safety over revenue and speed that is needed on this project. 

IBM’s executives are formally trained, and IBM takes security far more seriously than their peers, making them the best, if not only, choice to run Project Stargate if we want it to improve the world, not end it.

Addressing the digital skills gap

The digital skills gap is one of the biggest challenges for today’s workforce. It’s a growing concern for educators, employers, and anyone passionate about helping young people succeed.

Digital literacy is essential in today’s world, whether or not you’re aiming for a tech career — yet too many young people are entering adulthood without the skills to navigate it confidently and recent research shows that many young people finish school without formal digital qualifications.

Whilst this challenge is a global one, we’re exploring solutions in England where computing has been part of the national curriculum for a decade and the option of studying for a qualification (GCSE) in computer science is available to many 14-year-olds.

The SCARI report shows that GCSE computer science isn’t available in every school in England, and even where it is available, only a fraction of students opt to study it. Where GCSE computer science is offered, the focus is not on broader digital skills, but more on programming and theoretical knowledge which, while important, doesn’t support young people with the knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace.

How the Manchester Baccalaureate will help tackle the digital divide

At the Raspberry Pi Foundation, we’re working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to tackle this challenge head-on. Together, as part of their Manchester Baccalaureate initiative, we’re developing a self-paced course and certification to tackle the digital skills gap directly. 

Teachers listening to a presentation at a recent workshop the Raspberry Pi Foundation held in Manchester.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation Certificate in Applied Computing is designed to be accessed by any pupil, anywhere. It includes a series of flexible modules that students can work through at their own pace. Targeted at young people ages 14 and up, the certificate covers three stages:

  • Stage 1 – Students gain essential digital skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers
  • Stages 2 and 3 – Students dive into specialisations in key tech areas, building expertise aligned with in-demand roles

What we’ve learnt in Manchester so far

We recently visited Oasis Academy Media City to hold a workshop on digital skills and get input on the certificate. We welcomed educators and industry experts to share their insights, and their feedback has been invaluable.

Teachers pointed out a common challenge: while they see the importance of digital skills, they often lack the time and resources to add new material to an already packed curriculum. By offering the certification as bite-sized modules that focus on specific skills, it makes it easier to slot the content into the timetable, and helps students with limited access to school (due to illness, for example) engage with the course.

Teachers listening to a presentation at a recent workshop the Raspberry Pi Foundation held in Manchester.

Educators were particularly excited about the opportunity for students to specialise in areas tied to in-demand roles that are currently being recruited for and our goal is to make the qualification engaging and relevant, helping students see how their learning applies in the real world.  

Next steps

We are currently piloting this qualification in schools throughout Manchester, gathering invaluable feedback from young people as they embark on this learning experience, which will help us refine the course.
Stages 1 and 2 of the qualification will launch later this year, and we can’t wait to help students approach their futures with curiosity and confidence.

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Helping young people navigate AI safely

AI safety and Experience AI

As our lives become increasingly intertwined with AI-powered tools and systems, it’s more important than ever to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to engage with AI safely and responsibly. AI literacy isn’t just about understanding the technology — it’s about fostering critical conversations on how to integrate AI tools into our lives while minimising potential harm — otherwise known as ‘AI safety’.

The UK AI Safety Institute defines AI safety as: “The understanding, prevention, and mitigation of harms from AI. These harms could be deliberate or accidental; caused to individuals, groups, organisations, nations or globally; and of many types, including but not limited to physical, psychological, social, or economic harms.”

As a result of this growing need, we’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to our AI literacy programme, Experience AI —  ‘AI safety: responsibility, privacy, and security’. Co-developed with Google DeepMind, this comprehensive suite of free resources is designed to empower 11- to 14-year-olds to understand and address the challenges of AI technologies. Whether you’re a teacher, youth leader, or parent, these resources provide everything you need to start the conversation.

Linking old and new topics

AI technologies are providing huge benefits to society, but as they become more prevalent we cannot ignore the challenges AI tools bring with them. Many of the challenges aren’t new, such as concerns over data privacy or misinformation, but AI systems have the potential to amplify these issues.

Digital image depicting computer science related elements.

Our resources use familiar online safety themes — like data privacy and media literacy — and apply AI concepts to start the conversation about how AI systems might change the way we approach our digital lives.

Each session explores a specific area:

  • Your data and AI: How data-driven AI systems use data differently to traditional software and why that changes data privacy concerns
  • Media literacy in the age of AI: The ease of creating believable, AI-generated content and the importance of verifying information
  • Using AI tools responsibly: Encouraging critical thinking about how AI is marketed and understanding personal and developer responsibilities

Each topic is designed to engage young people to consider both their own interactions with AI systems and the ethical responsibilities of developers.

Designed to be flexible

Our AI safety resources have flexibility and ease of delivery at their core, and each session is built around three key components:

  1. Animations: Each session begins with a concise, engaging video introducing the key AI concept using sound pedagogy — making it easy to deliver and effective. The video then links the AI concept to the online safety topic and opens threads for thought and conversation, which the learners explore through the rest of the activities. 
  2. Unplugged activities: These hands-on, screen-free activities — ranging from role-playing games to thought-provoking challenges — allow learners to engage directly with the topics.
  3. Discussion questions: Tailored for various settings, these questions help spark meaningful conversations in classrooms, clubs, or at home.

Experience AI has always been about allowing everyone — including those without a technical background or specialism in computer science — to deliver high-quality AI learning experiences, which is why we often use videos to support conceptual learning. 

Digital image featuring two computer screens. One screen seems to represent errors, or misinformation. The other depicts a person potentially plotting something.

In addition, we want these sessions to be impactful in many different contexts, so we included unplugged activities so that you don’t need a computer room to run them! There is also advice on shortening the activities or splitting them so you can deliver them over two sessions if you want. 

The discussion topics provide a time-efficient way of exploring some key implications with learners, which we think will be more effective in smaller groups or more informal settings. They also highlight topics that we feel are important but may not be appropriate for every learner, for example, the rise of inappropriate deepfake images, which you might discuss with a 14-year-old but not an 11-year-old.

A modular approach for all contexts

Our previous resources have all followed a format suitable for delivery in a classroom, but for these resources, we wanted to widen the potential contexts in which they could be used. Instead of prescribing the exact order to deliver them, educators are encouraged to mix and match activities that they feel would be effective for their context. 

Digital image depicting computer science related elements.

We hope this will empower anyone, no matter their surroundings, to have meaningful conversations about AI safety with young people. 

The modular design ensures maximum flexibility. For example:

  • A teacher might combine the video with an unplugged activity and follow-up discussion for a 60-minute lesson
  • A club leader could show the video and run a quick activity in a 30-minute session
  • A parent might watch the video and use the discussion questions during dinner to explore how generative AI shapes the content their children encounter

The importance of AI safety education

With AI becoming a larger part of daily life, young people need the tools to think critically about its use. From understanding how their data is used to spotting misinformation, these resources are designed to build confidence and critical thinking in an AI-powered world.

AI safety is about empowering young people to be informed consumers of AI tools. By using these resources, you’ll help the next generation not only navigate AI, but shape its future. Dive into our materials, start a conversation, and inspire young minds to think critically about the role of AI in their lives.

Ready to get started? Explore our AI safety resources today: rpf.io/aisafetyblog. Together, we can empower every child to thrive in a digital world.

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Tencent and CATL Designated as Military-Linked

Akihabara News — In a move that has escalated tensions between the United States and China, the US Department of Defense has added two major Chinese technology companies, Tencent and CATL, to a list of entities it believes are linked to China’s military activities.

Tencent is a colossal tech conglomerate known for its WeChat app, which serves as a multifunctional platform combining messaging, social media, and payment services. Beyond WeChat, Tencent is a major player in gaming, owning Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends, and holding stakes in other international game developers. The company’s influence extends deep into entertainment, media, and even cloud computing, making it a pivotal part of China’s tech ecosystem.

On the other hand, CATL, or Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, is the world’s leading manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). CATL’s inclusion on the US military-linked companies list could impact the global supply chain for EVs, given its significant role in providing battery technology to major car manufacturers worldwide.

The US Department of Defense’s decision to classify these companies as having ties to the Chinese military isn’t about immediate sanctions but serves as a warning. It signals to American businesses and investors the potential risks of associating with these firms, given the alleged military connections. This could affect their ability to secure business deals in the United States and possibly lead to more stringent regulations or even sanctions in the future.

Both companies have vehemently denied these allegations, with Tencent stating its inclusion was “clearly a mistake” and emphasizing its non-military nature. CATL similarly argued it does not engage in any military-related activities.

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Woven City Opens Its Doors

Akihabara News — Toyota Motor has officially inaugurated its pioneering “Woven City” project, a smart city designed to redefine mobility and urban living. The first phase of the city, located at the base of Mount Fuji in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, has been completed and is now welcoming its initial residents.

Announced during CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the launch of Woven City marks a significant milestone in Toyota’s transformation from a traditional car manufacturer to a “mobility company.” The city, which seeks to test and develop new technologies in real-world settings, emphasizes sustainability and human-centric design.

The first residents, approximately a hundred in number, will primarily consist of Toyota staff and their families. They will move into the city this fall, with plans to expand the community to around 360 residents by the end of Phase 1. Eventually, Woven City aims to house up to two thousand people, including inventors and entrepreneurs from various fields.

Woven City has been designed with three types of streets: one for autonomous vehicles, another for mixed use including personal mobility devices and pedestrians, and a third exclusively for pedestrians. This innovative layout is intended to enhance safety and connectivity within the urban environment.

The city’s buildings, constructed with sustainable materials like wood, are equipped with the latest in smart home technology, including in-home robotics and health-monitoring AI systems. The infrastructure is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and solar energy, underlining Toyota’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

A notable aspect of Woven City is its collaborative approach, inviting inventors, startups, and academic institutions to participate through an accelerator program set to start in the summer of 2025. This initiative aims to foster innovation by providing a real-life testbed for new products and services.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman, described Woven City not just as a place to live but as a “living laboratory” where residents actively participate in testing and refining new mobility concepts. The project has already garnered attention for its potential to influence future urban planning and mobility solutions globally.

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Hooglee Hoopla

Akihabara News — Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has unveiled Hooglee, a new startup that merges AI video generation with social networking, aiming to challenge the likes of TikTok in the digital content space. The platform, which has been quietly developed under Schmidt’s guidance, seeks to democratize video creation by leveraging Artificial Intelligence to simplify communication and enhance user engagement.

Hooglee’s mission is clear: to bring people closer through innovative use of AI. The platform offers tools that allow users to create professional-quality videos with little to no prior editing experience. This initiative, backed by Schmidt’s family office, Hillspire, marks his first personally incubated AI project following significant investments in AI ventures like Anthropic and SandboxAQ.

The startup is led by Sebastian Thrun, a Silicon Valley veteran known for his work on Google’s autonomous car project Waymo and its moonshot division. Thrun’s involvement signals a robust commitment to making Hooglee not just another social media platform but a technological powerhouse. The team also includes former Meta AI researchers, which adds a layer of expertise in AI-driven content creation.

Hooglee promises to combine AI-powered video generation with social networking capabilities, creating a space where users can produce content and engage with a community seamlessly. While specifics on how Hooglee will differentiate itself from existing platforms remain under wraps, trademark filings indicate a focus on both AI video creation software and social media networking.

The platform’s launch has sparked conversations about the ethical implications of AI, particularly regarding deepfakes and misinformation. Schmidt, who has previously expressed concerns about AI’s potential for harm, has suggested the implementation of safeguards like watermarks and AI content detection systems, though it’s unclear if such features will be part of Hooglee’s initial rollout.

Industry observers speculate that Hooglee could be positioned as a direct competitor to TikTok, especially given the regulatory pressures TikTok faces in various markets. Schmidt has hinted at a vision of Hooglee as a place where communication is simplified, engagement is enhanced, and the power of AI is harnessed for more meaningful digital interactions.

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Switch 2 Set for 2025 Release

Akihabara News — Nintendo has officially announced the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming that the highly anticipated successor to the original Nintendo Switch will hit the market later in the year. The announcement came via a first-look trailer, which provided initial insights into the console’s design and capabilities.

The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains the hybrid nature of its predecessor; it will be compatible with both physical and digital games from the original Switch, although certain Switch games might not be fully compatible or supported. This backward compatibility is a significant feature, ensuring that fans can continue enjoying their existing game libraries on the new system. The console’s design appears similar to the original Switch but is evidently larger, with Joy-Con controllers that now attach magnetically to the sides of the console rather than using the slide-in mechanism of the first Switch.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will play exclusive titles designed specifically for it, alongside the library of Switch games. However, the company has been cautious about revealing exact specifications or detailed features of the console. More comprehensive information is slated to be disclosed during a Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2, where the company plans to elaborate on the console’s capabilities, potential launch titles, and other specifics.

To build excitement and provide hands-on experience, Nintendo will host “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” events in various cities around the world starting in April. These events will allow consumers to interact with the new console, offering a tangible feel of what the Switch 2 will bring to the gaming community.

Ticket registration for these events commenced on January 17, 2025, for those with a Nintendo Account.

The initial market reaction suggested some skepticism or perhaps concerns about the design similarity to its predecessor, which might not meet expectations for innovation. Nevertheless, the promise of backward compatibility and the potential for enhanced performance are expected to be significant selling points for the console.

With the original Nintendo Switch having sold over 146 million units, the Switch 2 enters the market with high expectations.

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Why Modern Invoicing Software is a Game-Changer for Freelancers and SMEs

Is invoicing the bane of your existence? Do you dread the end of a billing cycle? Are you cutting yourself short because you’re not following up with clients who have yet to pay you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in the right place. Modern invoicing tools are revolutionizing how freelancers, contractors, and SMEs (or small and medium-sized enterprises) bill their hours. But it wasn’t always as easy as it is today to get paid quickly and seamlessly. 

You may be surprised to learn that the concept of invoicing dates back over 5,000 years! In the historic days, IOUs were filled out in clay as merchants bought goods from each other. With the printing press, clay turned to paper as invoices were sent and delivered to each other. The rise of technology led to digital invoicing, allowing individuals to send bills via email and electronic platforms. Today, invoicing software tools make it easy to send payments in a timely, efficient manner. 

Below are a few ways that modern invoicing software is a game-changer for freelancers and SMEs and the benefits of using this software. 

Templates Make Things Easier

If you’re a freelancer or contract worker, there’s a good chance that you have multiple clients. You likely have different payment terms for each one. Perhaps one client wants you to bill at the end of the month while another one wants you to bill them weekly. Creating a custom invoice for each client can be time-consuming, taking you away from the work that you are actually getting paid for! That’s where templates come into play. 

Invoicing software tools include templates that you can easily customize for each of your client’s needs. These templates allow you to add your personal details, including a branded logo and colors. Adding these touches makes the invoice feel more professional than a black-and-white PDF document. Additionally, customizing your invoices strengthens your brand image and can build better relationships with your clients by showcasing your professionalism. 

Invoices that stand out and are easy to read and understand are more likely to get paid quicker too. When a client recognizes your invoice, there is less confusion at stake. They know who you are and why you are billing them. This can improve payment speed and result in prompt delivery. 

When selecting a template, make sure it fits your needs. Someone who bills hourly will need a different template than someone who is billing by project. Make sure it allows you to include all necessary information. This includes invoice date, description of project or services, client contact information, and total amount due. Save the invoice template for future iterations so you just have to adjust the project and total amount. 

Insightful Reporting and Real-Time Visibility

Another time-saving benefit to using invoicing software is its ability to provide insightful reports. Instead of manually calculating where you are at the end of the month, quarter, or year, these tools will automatically generate financial reports for you. Not only does this save you time, but it reduces errors. 

Having this data means you have real-time visibility of where your business stands. Knowing you’re having a less profitable month, for example, you may decide to focus some attention on pitching potential new clients. Perhaps you put a call-to-action out on LinkedIn describing your services and notifying others that you’re open to work. 

By looking at your report, you can also see which clients are providing you with the most revenue. If you’re spending more time on one client but not getting paid as much, this should raise a red flag. This data can help you either negotiate a better rate or decide if keeping the client is the best decision for the success of your business. After all, time is money and your time is valuable!  

Payment Management 

Freelancers often experience unpredictable income month-to-month. Because you can’t predict the future, you can’t accurately know what your income will be next month let alone six months from now. That’s why payment management is all the more important to solo entrepreneurs. A client who is tardy on billing can alter your livelihood, making it harder for you to pay rent or bills on time. 

Invoicing software platforms can automatically remind clients who have yet to pay you. By sending a reminder during a set cadence, you can follow up in a professional, courteous way. The software will update based on when a client has paid you — no more scrolling through your bank account looking for payments!  If you notice that a client is consistently delaying payment, you can ask to have a conversation with them. Ask if there is a better payment schedule that will work for them or if they have any suggestions on how to resolve this issue. You may decide to implement a past-due invoice fee if the problem recurs. 

Final Thoughts

Invoicing is easier than ever thanks to the introduction of modern invoicing software. New technology has made it incredibly simple to create, send, and check invoices. This software is easy to use and keeps everything organized in one place, allowing you to focus on the work that you’re being billed for. 

Written by Scott Weathers

The need to invest in AI skills in schools

Earlier this week, the UK Government published its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which sets out an ambitious vision to maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence. 

Whether you’re from the UK or not, it’s a good read, setting out the opportunities and challenges facing any country that aspires to lead the world in the development and application of AI technologies. 

In terms of skills, the Action Plan highlights the need for the UK to train tens of thousands more AI professionals by 2030 and sets out important goals to expand education pathways into AI, invest in new undergraduate and master’s scholarships, tackle the lack of diversity in the sector, and ensure that the lifelong skills agenda focuses on AI skills. 

Photo of a group of young people working through some Experience AI content.

This is all very important, but the Action Plan fails to mention what I think is one of the most important investments we need to make, which is in schools. 

“Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in ten years.”

While reading the section of the Action Plan that dealt with AI skills, I was reminded of this quote attributed to Bill Gates, which was adapted from Roy Amara’s law of technology. We tend to overestimate what we can achieve in the short term and underestimate what we can achieve in the long term. 

In focusing on the immediate AI gold rush, there is a risk that the government overlooks the investments we need to make right now in schools, which will yield huge returns — for individuals, communities, and economies — over the long term. Realising the full potential of a future where AI technologies are ubiquitous requires genuinely long-term thinking, which isn’t always easy for political systems that are designed around short-term results. 

Photo focused on a young person working on a computer in a classroom.

But what are those investments? The Action Plan rightly points out that the first step for the government is to accurately assess the size of the skills gap. As part of that work, we need to figure out what needs to change in the school system to build a genuinely diverse and broad pipeline of young people with AI skills. The good news is that we’ve already made a lot of progress. 

AI literacy

Over the past three years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation and our colleagues in the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre at the University of Cambridge have been working to understand and define what AI literacy means. That led us to create a research-informed model for AI literacy that unpacks the concepts and knowledge that constitute a foundational understanding of AI. 

In partnership with one of the leading UK-based AI companies, Google DeepMind, we used that model to create Experience AI. This suite of classroom resources, teacher professional development, and hands-on practical activities enables non-specialist teachers to deliver engaging lessons that help young people build that foundational understanding of AI technologies. 

We’ve seen huge demand from UK schools already, with thousands of lessons taught in UK schools, and we’re delighted to be working with Parent Zone to support a wider roll out in the UK, along with free teacher professional development.  

CEO Philip Colligan and  Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the UK launch of Experience AI.
CEO Philip Colligan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the UK launch of Experience AI.

With the generous support of Google.org, we are working with a global network of education partners — from Nigeria to Nepal — to localise and translate these resources, and deliver locally organised teacher professional development. With over 1 million young people reached already, Experience AI can plausibly claim to be the most widely used AI literacy curriculum in the world, and we’re improving it all the time. 

All of the materials are available for anyone to use and can be found on the Experience AI website.

There is no AI without CS

With the CEO of GitHub claiming that it won’t be long before 80% of code is written by AI, it’s perhaps not surprising that some people are questioning whether we still need to teach kids how to code.

I’ll have much more to say on this in a future blog post, but the short answer is that computer science and programming is set to become more — not less — important in the age of AI. This is particularly important if we want to tackle the lack of diversity in the tech sector and ensure that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to shape the AI-enabled future that they will be living in. 

Close up of two young people working at a computer.

The simple truth is that there is no artificial intelligence without computer science. The rapid advances in AI are likely to increase the range of problems that can be solved by technology, creating demand for more complex software, which in turn will create demand for more programmers with increasingly sophisticated and complex skills. 

That’s why we’ve set ourselves the ambition that we will inspire 10 million more young people to learn how to get creative with technology over the next 10 years through Code Club. 

Curriculum reform 

But we also need to think about what needs to change in the curriculum to ensure that schools are equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an AI-powered world. 

That will mean changes to the computer science curriculum, providing different pathways that reflect young people’s interests and passions, but ensuring that every child leaves school with a qualification in computer science or applied digital skills. 

It’s not just computer science courses. We need to modernise mathematics and figure out what a data science curriculum looks like (and where it fits). We also need to recognise that AI skills are just as relevant to biology, geography, and languages as they are to computer science. 

A teacher assisting a young person with a coding project.

To be clear, I am not talking about how AI technologies will save teachers time, transform assessments, or be used by students to write essays. I am talking about the fundamentals of the subjects themselves and how AI technologies are revolutionising the sciences and humanities in practice in the real world. 

These are all areas where the Raspberry Pi Foundation is engaged in original research and experimentation. Stay tuned. 

Supporting teachers

All of this needs to be underpinned by a commitment to supporting teachers, including through funding and time to engage in meaningful professional development. This is probably the biggest challenge for policy makers at a time when budgets are under so much pressure. 

For any nation to plausibly claim that it has an Action Plan to be an AI superpower, it needs to recognise the importance of making the long-term investment in supporting our teachers to develop the skills and confidence to teach students about AI and the role that it will play in their lives. 

I’d love to hear what you think and if you want to get involved, please get in touch.

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HP Threat Report: AI Is Becoming More Common

HP released its quarterly threat report, which includes some increasingly scary elements. Unlike its peers, HP created a separate security unit called Wolf Security that can focus more sharply on our increasing security exposures. While this security unit is somewhat hobbled in that it is subordinate to HP’s PC and printing businesses, this allows it to focus more deeply on the endpoints it provides, resulting in a greater level of protection where most breaches continue to occur: the user or at the endpoint. 

This is a defense-in-depth approach that is narrower than a typical security company would or could supply since it covers both software and hardware elements for HP’s enterprise PCs and printers, arguably making HP more secure than the competition.

Like many independent security firms and unlike its OEM peers, HP also researches and issues security reports that highlight what it has found, and this quarter’s report is as scary as the last one was. 

Users Remain the Biggest Exposure

One thing that isn’t changing quarter-over-quarter is that users remain the biggest exposure conduit, and current user training is proving to be inadequate. While prior user attacks focused on one click to infection, security tools have improved. Now it takes three to four clicks on average to become infected. However, social engineering and AI are being used to trick users into making those three clicks and these users too often turn off their security protection in order to unknowingly download and install malware that compromises their credentials and their firm. 

I remain convinced that we need to do far more regular internal security tests with penalties for failing so users take this far more seriously because even the most rigorous security protections are worthless if the users disable them.

AI Use

AI has moved from occasional conceptual tests to far more common production uses for malware delivery but not yet for malware creation. These tools are becoming extremely good at tricking users into doing harmful things. For instance, GitHub’s repository has been compromised with Lumma Stealer that targets gamers looking for cheats to improve their scores. Game cheats are often misidentified as malware and blocked, so it takes disabling your security software to install them. Along with the cheat comes malware designed to give the attacker access to the system and its contents, including IDs and passwords. And another form of malware called XWorm has become a very popular worm designed to steal crypto currency wallets. 

Commercial Malware

Even though AI isn’t being used to create malware, this doesn’t mean that malware isn’t advancing. Commercial companies continue to build and sell malware offerings, but the recent trend is to do so in building block form. In other words, attackers use multiple malware downloads over time to fully compromise the system but make it so the components go in without triggering a security warning. This then allows the complete tool to build after all of the components have been installed, often using PowerShell as the download and installation tool. The stages are Attack, Intermediate and Infection and are very hard to detect until the damage is being done. Right now, you can create a major malware campaign with virtually no programming skills. 

The Danger of Pictures

One of the recent changes is that attackers are attaching malware to downloadable pictures like those images of old obsolete websites. If you download the picture, you are in the path to becoming infected. The website may not be at fault since these pictures are uploaded onto legitimate sites that don’t have the technology to scan the pictures for one of the malware building blocks. 

With pictures and some other file types, you can measure the success of a campaign by the number of downloads or views. The average is 29K. That’s a lot of infected people per effort. 

Wrapping Up:

Companies like HP and units like Wolf Security are working hard to both identify and mitigate the increasing number of AI-enabled malware attacks. However, no matter how effective the defense, it is pretty much worthless if the user bypasses it or turns off the security software, and this is happening way too often. 

If we truly want to address this threat, users must become a more active part of the solution. If a malicious malware attack is successful and the user helped create it, it could cost them not only their job but their life savings (depending on the damage), but the current levels of user training are inadequate. 

If this isn’t fixed, this exposure will become one of the strongest arguments to replace many users with AIs that will follow proper security protocols and be less of a threat to the organizations within which they work. 

Slip and Fall vs. Trip and Fall Injuries: What’s the Difference?

Accidents happen every day, often when we least expect them. A common type of accident involves slipping or tripping, which can lead to serious injuries. Understanding the difference between slip and fall and trip and fall injuries is important. A slip and fall typically occurs when a person loses footing on a slick surface. It might be a wet floor or an icy sidewalk. On the other hand, a trip and fall happens when something stops your forward movement, like a raised sidewalk or uneven carpet. Each has unique causes and effects on the body. Recognizing these differences can help in preventing accidents and managing injuries if they occur. The D2 Law Firm team emphasizes the importance of awareness in these situations. By knowing the distinct characteristics of each, better safety measures can be put in place. This knowledge can also aid in seeking appropriate medical attention and legal aid if necessary.

What Causes Slip and Fall?

Slip and fall incidents usually arise from wet or polished surfaces. They can also happen on icy surfaces or when liquids spill onto floors. Poor lighting can make these hazards even more dangerous. Shoes with inadequate grip can increase the risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slips contribute significantly to accidents in homes and workplaces.

What Causes Trip and Fall?

Trip and fall accidents often occur when an object unexpectedly interrupts your path. It can be a loose rug, a raised edge on a walkway, or a cluttered floor. Poor visibility is another contributing factor. This type of accident can also occur when walking on uneven surfaces or climbing stairs. Ensuring pathways are clear and well-lit can help reduce these incidents.

Comparing Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Injuries

Understanding the differences between these two types of falls can help in prevention and treatment. Here is a simple comparison:

Criteria Slip and Fall Trip and Fall
Typical Cause Slick Surface Obstruction in Path
Common Injuries Back and Head Injuries Foot and Leg Injuries
Prevention Measures Improve Surface Grip Clear Walkways

Common Injuries from Falls

Both slip and fall and trip and fall incidents can lead to injuries. Slip and fall often result in back, wrist, and head injuries. In contrast, trip and fall accidents frequently cause injuries to the knees, elbows, and face. Fractures and bruises are common in both cases. Some injuries may require immediate medical attention, while others might need long-term care.

Preventative Measures

Preventing falls requires vigilance and proactive measures. Here are three steps you can take:

  • Keep walkways clear and well-lit.
  • Use rugs with non-slip backing on smooth floors.
  • Wear shoes with proper grip, especially on wet or icy surfaces.

Seeking Help After a Fall

If an accident occurs, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. This ensures you receive necessary care and helps document the incident. Consulting with a legal professional, like the D2 Law Firm team, can guide you in understanding your rights and options. Knowing when to reach out for help can make a significant difference in recovery.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between slip and fall and trip and fall accidents is essential for prevention and treatment. Simple steps and precautions can reduce risks significantly. If an accident does happen, knowing how to respond can aid in recovery and ensure proper handling of any legal considerations. Staying informed and prepared helps in maintaining a safe environment.

Written by Lara Harper