taiwan says targeted
| |

Taiwan says it was targeted last month in AI-driven hacking campaign

ByJustpaste.in

Taiwan detected AI-assisted cyberattacks on government agencies last month coming from overseas but the affected bodies successfully “handled” the incident, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said on Thursday, August 13.

Taiwan has in recent years complained about what it sees as China’s “hybrid warfare” — from daily military drills near the island to disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks — as Beijing ramps up military and political pressure on the democratically governed island to force Taipei to accept its claims of sovereignty.

Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan’s key infrastructure from hospitals to banks rose 6% in 2025 from the previous year to an average of 2.63 million attacks a day, the island’s National Security Bureau said in January, adding some of the hacks were synchronised with military drills in “hybrid threats” to paralyze the island.

In a statement, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said its cybersecurity monitoring units detected the “abnormal attack” targeting government agencies in July, and beginning July 20, its National Institute of Cyber Security issued a series of warning alerts while it investigated.

The investigation results showed the attacks displayed clear characteristics of an “overseas source”, with hackers employing a hybrid approach that combined manual operations with AI agent-assisted attacks, such as Open Claw, it said.

“The relevant attack sources, methods, and scope of impact have all been fully investigated, and the affected units have successively completed their handling,” the ministry added.

In response to this new type of AI-derived cybersecurity threat, the government has established protective guidelines and strengthened system monitoring across agencies to block attacks early, it said.

The statement did not mention China, and China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the attack.

Iraeli firm’s report

Taiwan’s statement came a day after the Israeli cybersecurity company Dream said in a blog post that it had uncovered an AI-driven hacking campaign that stole credentials and other data from an unnamed government in Asia.

Dream said a team of AI agents worked together to extract scores of passwords from unidentified officials, steal personnel records from Taiwan’s justice ministry, and scan its nuclear safety agency for vulnerabilities over the course of four days.

Dream, which said it was able to reconstruct the hacking campaign after recovering the agents’ “complete operational workspace,” declined to share the data or name the government when approached by Reuters, but the Financial Times, which was the first media outlet briefed on Dream’s findings, identified the target agencies as Taiwanese.

Growing threat

The threat of AI-assisted hacking campaigns has been growing for years but ramped up dramatically over the past few months after top AI labs released models, such as Anthropic’s Mythos, which can rapidly conduct reconnaissance, identify vulnerabilities, and take advantage of them.

Cris Thomas, a researcher who works as a security advocate at the code security company Semgrep, said the spy campaign was an illustration of just how quickly AI-assisted hackers could hit their mark.

Thomas cautioned against exaggerating the power of AI agents, however.

“There’s still a human in there somewhere. Somebody had to choose who to attack, had to establish an objective and give it a directive. It’s not totally 100% autonomous. There was a capable operator in charge that did that,” he added. – Rappler.com

Similar Posts

  • |

    Admiral Naveed Ashraf makes historic IISS address as UK visit deepens Pakistan-Britain defence ties

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, highlighted by a landmark address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London—the first by any serving Pakistan Navy chief. Addressing one of the world’s leading strategic think tanks, Admiral Ashraf outlined Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean, stressing the importance of regional maritime stability, freedom of navigation and enhanced international cooperation to tackle emerging maritime security challenges. The address marked a significant milestone in Pakistan Navy’s engagement with the global strategic community and underscored its expanding role in international maritime security discourse. During his visit, organised in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in London, Admiral Ashraf held a series of high-level meetings with senior officials of the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO Allied Maritime Command, and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral naval cooperation, professional exchanges and regional security. The Naval Chief also met representatives of the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee, where discussions centred on maritime insurance, security risks in the Indian Ocean and the protection of global shipping routes. As part of his engagements, Admiral Ashraf attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military air show, where he interacted with senior military leaders from allied nations and representatives of the British defence industry. He also visited the Pakistan High Commission in London and met High Commission officials to discuss ways of expanding Pakistan-UK cooperation in defence, maritime affairs and strategic engagement. He later recorded his remarks in the High Commission’s guest book. Defence observers say the visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-UK defence relations and demonstrates Islamabad’s commitment to expanding strategic dialogue with international partners. The historic IISS address, in particular, is being viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic achievement, placing the Pakistan Navy more prominently within global maritime security discussions.

  • | |

    Ye to perform in Russia, marking major Western star’s return  

    ByJustpaste.in

      Ye, the American rapper and former Kanye West, is set to perform two concerts in St Petersburg, Russia, this October. His planned performances are attracting significant international attention, as he is expected to become the biggest Western music star to perform in Russia since the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. The concerts will take place at the 70,000-seat Gazprom Arena. Tickets reportedly sold out within only a few hours after the shows were announced on Monday. Ticket prices ranged from around 9,000 roubles (£78) to 160,000 roubles (£1,394), showing the strong demand for the controversial rapper’s appearance. The performances come at a time when Ye is attempting to rebuild his public image following years of controversial statements, particularly remarks widely condemned as antisemitic and supportive of Nazi ideology. In January, the rapper issued an apology and attributed some of his behaviour to a brain injury and bipolar disorder. Ye’s attempts to return to the international concert scene have faced considerable difficulties. His planned European tour this summer was disrupted after several performances were cancelled because of public criticism surrounding his views. In the United Kingdom, the long-established Wireless Festival was cancelled after Ye, who had been scheduled to headline all three nights, was refused permission to enter the country. The UK Home Office said the decision was based on the assessment that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good”. Other concerts in France, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic were also cancelled. However, performances in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey and Albania went ahead. His concert in Madrid earlier this month attracted substantial international interest. According to Spanish national broadcaster, as many as 60% of those attending were foreigners who had been unable to see Ye perform in their own countries. Critics praised the concert’s impressive production and stage design, particularly the huge illuminated dome on which the rapper performed. Despite the controversy surrounding his public statements, some reviewers described the Madrid performance positively. Critics highlighted the energetic atmosphere, extensive selection of popular songs and Ye’s apparent determination to reconnect with audiences. One reviewer even observed that there were no visible Nazi supporters among the crowd. Ye’s upcoming Russian concerts are not entirely unexpected. Rumours that the musician intended to perform in Russia have circulated for several years. In 2024, he visited the country to attend the birthday celebrations of fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, with whom he has previously collaborated. However, his decision to perform in Russia has also received criticism from some Russian figures. Conservative lawmaker Vitaly Milonov suggested that Ye should perform traditional Russian songs rather than his usual repertoire. He said he hoped the experience would encourage the rapper to abandon what he described as his “disgusting antics” and become a more conventional public figure. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, performances by major Western musicians were relatively common in the country. International acts including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Muse and System of a Down had all performed there. Since the war began, however, the situation has changed significantly. Many international record companies suspended their operations in Russia, while numerous Western artists stopped touring there. As a result, only a limited number of Western musicians have performed in Russia in recent years. Those who have appeared have generally been less prominent international acts, including Tyga, DaBaby, Akon and rapper Lil Pump. Ye’s controversy dates back to 2022, when he began making a series of offensive comments on social media. His remarks resulted in restrictions or suspensions on some of his accounts, while major companies also distanced themselves from him. Adidas and Balenciaga were among the prominent brands that ended their relationships with the rapper. The controversy intensified when Ye publicly described himself as a Nazi and released a song titled “Heil Hitler”. He also promoted clothing featuring a swastika, causing widespread condemnation. In January, however, Ye published a full-page advertisement  in which he apologised for his previous behaviour. He stated that he was neither a Nazi nor an antisemite and described his previous actions as part of a prolonged period of unstable behaviour. Ye said he had experienced what he called a four-month period of manic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour. He also explained that his bipolar disorder had affected his ability to recognise that he was unwell at the time. His upcoming concerts in St Petersburg therefore represent more than simply another entry on his performance schedule. They mark a significant return to a country where major Western artists have largely been absent since the invasion of Ukraine. The shows are likely to attract both Russian fans and international attention, while also continuing the debate over whether controversial artists should be given major international platforms despite their previous statements and conduct.

  • |

    US appeals court blocks Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom project

    ByJustpaste.in

    A US federal appeals court on Friday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to halt construction of its $400 million ballroom at the White House, ruling that the executive branch lacks the authority to make such extensive alterations to the landmark without explicit approval from Congress. ​The 2–1 decision by a panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upholds an injunction obtained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The preservation group filed a lawsuit last year after the administration demolished the historic East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom complex. ​Writing for the majority, Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia rejected the administration’s stance that executive authority permitted the unilateral overhaul. ​”Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence”, the judges wrote. “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.” ​The court clarified that its ruling does not permanently block the project, but requires the administration to secure legislative authorization before proceeding with aboveground construction. The order maintains an earlier district court ruling by Judge Richard Leon, which blocked aboveground work on the ballroom while permitting underground construction to proceed for bunker and national security facilities. ​The panel granted a 14-day stay on its ruling, allowing the Justice Department time to file an emergency petition with the US Supreme Court. ​President Trump strongly criticized the decision on social media, describing it as “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful”. He argued that the project functions as a broader security complex incorporating bomb shelters, medical units, and drone shielding, warning that the halt poses a threat to national security. ​The National Trust praised the ruling, with CEO Brent Leggs stating that the decision affirms the principle that only Congress holds the authority to approve major structural additions to the White House. ​Judge Neomi Rao dissented, siding with the administration’s position that the executive branch retains sufficient discretion over the maintenance and security of the presidential residence.

  • |

    US expands probe into cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled lettuce

    ByJustpaste.in

    US health authorities have expanded their investigation into a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis after new infections were identified in four additional states. The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms. Officials from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are continuing efforts to determine the full extent of the outbreak and trace all affected products. According to the FDA, confirmed outbreak-related cases have now been reported in nine states including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Health officials said nearly 2,000 people have become infected with the cyclospora parasite after being exposed to food served at Taco Bell restaurants. So far, at least 98 people have required hospital treatment, although no deaths have been reported. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify additional cases that may be connected to the contaminated lettuce. Oklahoma’s health department said it is cooperating with federal officials to determine whether more illnesses reported in the state are linked to the outbreak. Cyclosporiasis cases have been recorded in at least 41 states across the country this year. However, investigators say not every infection is connected to the current outbreak. Health officials are still examining which cases are directly linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations. Several states have already completed preliminary reviews and found no evidence connecting their reported cases to the nationwide outbreak. Health departments in Nebraska, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Maryland said investigations have not identified a link between local infections and the recalled lettuce. Officials stressed that cyclospora infections can result from exposure to a variety of contaminated fresh produce, making each case important to investigate separately. In New Hampshire, health authorities confirmed nine infections associated with recalled Taylor Farms lettuce that had been served in the cafeteria at Cheshire Medical Center. Officials are continuing to investigate whether additional illnesses reported in the area are related to the same source. Oregon health officials also reported two infections believed to be connected to the ongoing outbreak. Both individuals had recently traveled to states included in the nationwide recall and were believed to have consumed pre-shredded lettuce associated with the investigation. North Carolina has also seen an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this year, but state health officials said the available evidence does not suggest those infections are related to the Taco Bell outbreak. Instead, investigators found that patients had commonly consumed fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro along with lettuce, indicating different sources of exposure may be responsible. Michigan remains the state reporting the highest number of suspected infections. State officials said more than 8,000 probable cases of the intestinal illness have now been identified, with hundreds of additional cases reported within a single day. Investigators continue to monitor the situation closely as new reports are received. The outbreak prompted Taylor Farms to announce a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. The recall covers products sold in grocery stores, supplied to restaurants and distributed to food service businesses across the United States. Federal health officials continue to advise consumers, restaurants and retailers not to use or serve any products included in the recall until the investigation is complete. An industry source familiar with the matter said Taylor Farms has temporarily suspended operations at the processing facility in central Mexico that US health authorities have linked to the outbreak. Officials hope the closure, combined with the product recall and continued public health monitoring, will help prevent additional infections while investigators work to identify the exact source of the contamination.

  • |

    US war on iran costs $37.5bn so far: Pentagon

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has spent 37.5 billion dollars on its war against Iran to date, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in Washington, while calling on Congress to approve additional funding for the conflict. The statement comes six months ahead of midterm elections, where Democrats lead in public opinion polls and are attempting to link the unpopular war with broader economic affordability concerns. Hegseth stated that the 37.5 billion dollar figure covers specific operational aspects of the war as well as anticipated expenditures through September 30, though the exact calculations used by the Pentagon were not detailed. The funding request follows President Donald Trump’s call for nearly 90 billion dollars in supplemental funding last month, primarily for the Iran conflict, setting up legislative friction with lawmakers who express frustration over the war’s trajectory and communication. Both Democratic and Republican members of Congress criticised the administration for a lack of transparency since US and Israeli military operations against Iran began on February 28. Senator Patty Murray warned that the president’s severe threats against civilian infrastructure risk war crimes and a prolonged conflict, while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticised contradictory statements from the administration regarding the duration and scope of the war. Hegseth warned lawmakers that without an urgent influx of capital, military training operations would need to be curtailed. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine acknowledged that while service members would receive their pay, the Pentagon could face challenges covering equipment maintenance and investments in future capabilities due to strains on its nearly 1 trillion dollar budget. In response, Hegseth urged Congress to approve not only the supplemental package but also a 1.5 trillion dollar defence budget for 2027, describing any failure to fund the department at that level as the single greatest threat to national security. The appeal for funds follows the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire earlier in the month, leading to daily reciprocal strikes between US and Iranian forces. US troop casualties have risen to 18 killed and approximately 430 injured, including 100 wounded since July 7, though the Pentagon noted that 96 per cent of those injured have returned to active duty. Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened to expand targets to include Iranian energy plants, bridges, the Kharg Island oil hub via ground forces, and the deep-underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear-linked facility, stating that a strike on the mountain site would occur in the near future.

  • |

    US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to complete nationwide body-camera rollout by late August

    ByJustpaste.in

    US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that its nationwide distribution of body-worn cameras to all field officers and agents is moving ahead of schedule, with deployment set to wrap up by the end of August. Acting Director David Venturella announced the accelerated timetable amidst intense public and congressional scrutiny following recent fatal enforcement encounters. Public outrage mounted after lethal shootings during traffic stops in Maine and Texas, as well as the fatal shooting of two US citizens during an immigration crackdown in Minnesota. In response to the incidents, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously stated that the camera programme would expand nationwide as funding allowed, while border czar Tom Homan directed that officers record vehicle stops using at least one body camera. Under current internal policies, ICE permits expedited footage releases following incidents involving severe injury or death in custody. However, the agency retains broad authority to withhold recordings to safeguard active investigations or personal privacy. Transparency advocates and legal scholars have criticised the framework, arguing that granting agency leadership discretionary power to block or delay footage releases risks shielding federal operations from meaningful public oversight.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *