Researchers say Microsoft server hack has now hit 400 victims
WASHINGTON : A sweeping cyber-espionage campaign organisation centred on vulnerable versions of Microsoft's server software has now claimed about 400 victims, according to researchers at Netherlands-based Eye Security.
The figure, which is derived from a count of digital artefacts discovered during scans of servers running vulnerable versions of Microsoft's SharePoint software, compares to 100 organisations catalogued over the weekend.
Eye Security says the figure is likely an undercount.
'There are many more, because not all attack vectors have left artefacts that we could scan for,' said Vaisha Bernard, the chief hacker for Eye Security, which was among the first organisations to flag the breaches.
The spy campaign kicked off after Microsoft failed to fully patch a security hole in its SharePoint server software, kicking off a scramble to fix the vulnerability when it was discovered.
Microsoft and its tech rival, Google owner Alphabet, have both said Chinese hackers are among those taking advantage of the flaw.
Beijing has denied the claim.
The details of most of the victim organisations have not yet been fully disclosed.
Bernard declined to identify them.
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The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
‘Muted, uneven' recovery for semicon industry
PETALING JAYA: Local semiconductor players continue to navigate a period of heightened uncertainty as a convergence of tariff and trade uncertainty, supply chain dynamics and foreign-exchange (forex) volatility continue to cloud the outlook for the sector. Fortress Capital Asset Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Thomas Yong said the industry is likely to experience a period of 'muted and uneven recovery' in the next two to three quarters. In particular, factory utilisation rates in segments tied to consumer electronics may remain muted, and earnings for the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25) is expected to be 'relatively stagnant on a sequential basis'. 'The market would remain volatile, reacting sharply to news related to US-China trade policies, tariff deadlines, and macroeconomic data prints. This period will test investor patience,' he told StarBiz. Yong added that there is a bifurcation in demand in the chip industry, where the artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre markets are 'booming' while the recovery in consumer electronics like smartphones and personal computers remains 'tepid and fragile'. He opined that in such a market Malaysian semiconductor companies should adopt a dual-pronged approach to their capital allocation. 'Players must simultaneously modernise their core, established businesses while selectively and strategically invest in the future growth engines outlined by the National Semiconductor Strategy. 'Take our local outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) industry as an example. 'The actionable strategy for local OSAT players is to prioritise capital expenditure (capex) towards acquiring and mastering the capabilities for advanced chip packaging, that is, 2.5D and 3D packaging, fan-out wafer-level packaging, and system-in-package integration,' Yong said. In such a way, companies can position themselves to capture high-margin, high-volume business directly from the world's leading fabless AI chip designers. Fortress Capital's Yong said local players are facing 'significant' margin compression. Notably, a combination of lower-than-optimal production run rate, rising operational costs, including higher electricity tariffs and increased labour expenses driven by a fierce talent war, is squeezing profitability. 'This is compounded by currency effects, as a strengthening ringgit against the US dollar can temper the earnings of export-oriented firms,' he said. Nonetheless, UOB Kay Hian wealth advisor's head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the uncertainty surrounding US trade policy still stands out as the foremost risk to growth for the domestic semiconductor space. Last week, blue chip semiconductor company Vitrox Corp Bhd was downgraded by analysts following the company's second-quarter earnings announcement. 'Sell' calls for the automated test equipment (ATE) company now outweigh the 'buy' and 'hold' ratings. Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research downgraded its call for ViTrox to a 'sell' from a 'hold' with an unchanged target price of RM2.65, derived based on price-to-earnings (PE) multiple of 34 times of the financial year 2026 (FY26) earnings per share. The research house said forex volatility, higher reciprocal tariffs from the United States, and component shortages could weigh on ViTrox's near-term margins. HLIB Research said since ViTrox's 1Q25 results, its share price has surged by 40% amid a strong rebound in sentiment for the technology sector, and that the company's current valuation at 48.5 times FY26 PE 'appears stretched', considering 'lingering demand risks from US tariff uncertainties'. Mohd Sedek is of the view that the risks in Malaysia's semiconductor sector are not yet fully priced in. While certain market and policy concerns have been reflected in valuations, several emerging and persistent risks – particularly related to trade policy, regulatory developments, and supply chain dynamics – remain underappreciated by investors, he noted. Mohd Sedek said operationally, while margin pressures from higher labour levies and escalating selling, general and administrative costs persist – particularly for OSAT and ATE players – valuations have adjusted. 'OSATs are currently trading around one standard deviation below their five-year average, with ATEs closer to two standard deviations below. 'This suggests that some risks have been recognised by the market, yet not all fully accounted for – especially considering the complex global and policy environment,' he said. Mohd Sedek cautioned that potential US legislative changes, such as the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, could introduce further compliance burdens for semiconductor firms, particularly around supply chain transparency and technology transfer. He added that supply chain risks, particularly stemming from the US Section 232 investigations into semiconductors and critical minerals, also warrant attention. 'Possible tariffs or trade restrictions could disrupt Malaysia's access to vital inputs like rare earths, which are heavily sourced from China, as well as critical minerals supplied via regional partners such as Indonesia and Vietnam,' Mohd Sedek said. On top of country-specific reciprocal tariffs, the Trump administration has signalled since April that a special tariff rate will be applied to sectors like semiconductors. The United States is currently weighing on the tariff rate for the sector, pending the outcome of its ongoing Section 232 'national security' investigation. Competitive pressures also remain a structural challenge for the local chip sector. Mohd Sedek says Malaysia's 13% share of the global chip packaging market faces growing competition from Vietnam, India, and China – markets benefitting from aggressive expansion strategies and, in some cases, state support. This is also echoed by Yong that intensifying regional competition 'cannot be ignored'. 'Malaysia is not the sole beneficiary of global supply chain diversification. 'Vietnam, in particular, is aggressively courting foreign direct investment with attractive tax incentives and a national chip strategy of its own. Thailand also remains a formidable competitor, especially in the automotive semiconductor space. Complacency is a luxury we cannot afford,' Yong said. Mohd Sedek shared its base case projects a sector earnings contraction of about 2.7% in 2025, underscoring a challenging environment marked by slowing demand, regulatory hurdles, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite these near term challenges, experts say the long-term upside potential of the sector is 'compelling'. Yong said recovery is expected to broaden and accelerate into 2026 as inventories normalise and new investment cycles begin. He opined that the 'most significant tailwind' is the structural, multi-decade shift to de-risk global technology supply chains away from a single point of geographic concentration. He stated that Malaysia's 50-year track record, its well-established ecosystem, skilled workforce, and valued geopolitical neutrality make it a prime destination for 'China+1' and 'friend-shoring' strategies by American, European, and even Chinese firms seeking a stable, high-capability manufacturing base. 'This is not a cyclical trend that will fade; it is a fundamental realignment of global capital flows that will benefit Malaysia for years to come,' he said. Yong also believes that the country can capture the AI 'spillover' effect in that while Malaysia may not be designing the next-generation graphic processing units from scratch, the immense complexity of AI systems however, requires massive investment in what happens after the silicon wafer is fabricated: advanced packaging, highly sophisticated testing, and the manufacturing of the automated equipment that performs these critical tasks. 'Arguably, Malaysia already has the foundation necessary to capture such spillover,' he said. Mohd Sedek also echoed Yong's sentiment, noting that the structural drivers of digitalisation, 5G deployment, AI adoption, and data centre expansion are expected to reinforce Putrajaya's role within the global semiconductor supply chain. 'Infrastructure-led growth and regional mega-projects create meaningful opportunities for firms directly engaged in these emerging ecosystems,' he said. According to Mohd Sedek, technology remains a core investment theme for 2H25, and investors can focus on companies with strong exposure to high-growth segments like AI, 5G, and data centre components. He highlighted the importance of prioritising firms with sound forex hedging strategies and diversified revenue streams. 'To mitigate cyclicality risks, investors could pair semiconductor exposure with defensive sectors, while also have a long-term strategic view through anchor investments on long-term technology megatrends – recognising the sector's critical role in global digitalisation and supply chain realignment,' Mohd Sedek said.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
HKSTP Takes Nine Game-Changing AI Tech Ventures to WAIC 2025 to Advance China's AI Plus Vision in Transforming Business and Industry
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Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ( CAIR ) Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation Chinese Academy of Sciences is another InnoHK R&D centre, showcases MicroNeuro, the world's first flexible robotic system for minimally invasive neurosurgery to address challenges of fragile brain tissue and confined spaces, surpassing human surgical limits. ( ) is another InnoHK R&D centre, showcases MicroNeuro, the world's first flexible robotic system for minimally invasive neurosurgery to address challenges of fragile brain tissue and confined spaces, surpassing human surgical limits. Digital Domain, a global leader in Hollywood visual effects and AI virtual human technologies, showcases the AI-powered video creation solution "HANBAO" and "AI DOMAIN", an all-in-one content creation platform, empowering creators to tailor high-quality short videos for online platforms. Digital Domain has set up its state-of-the-art R&D centre in Hong Kong, driving the innovative development among entertainment and cross-industry. Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAIR) ClusterTech Limited Digital Domain Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE) HK INBOT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre Limited MattVerse Limited Metapool Technology Limited Ultipa Hong Kong Limited HONG KONG SAR / SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 July 2025 - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is embarking on a mission to advance China's AI Plus vision with nine Hong Kong AI park companies at the World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC) 2025, taking place from July 26-29 in Shanghai, China. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Cyberport, HKSTP is leveraging Hong Kong's growing global AI innovation hub status to advance the China's strategic AI initiative and applying AI and big data to transform old and new industry sectors to boost a new era of growth."Hong Kong is a crucible for world-class AI innovation and our unique HKSTP ecosystem provides an ideal platform to empower AI tech firms with global fluency and pave the way for global expansion. By taking local tech companies on a global growth journey and attracting more international startups to land Hong Kong and integrating into the Mainland China or even the Asia markets means a growing critical mass of world-class AI innovators is created. This influx of global talent and technology will accelerate the country's high-tech industry and economic development, further fueling the national drive for new quality productive forces."The nine park enterprises participating in the Hong Kong Pavilion cover technologies in life and health tech, fintech, entertainment, aerospace tech, digital education and more, highlights included:In addition to the showcase of tech firms, HKSTP also hosted a provoking panel discussion at WAIC 2025, exploring the theme of: "From Hong Kong to global impact: Shaping the future with AI and New Quality Productive Forces for Cross-industry Growth", moderated by Ms Pheona Kan, Director of Business Development at HKSTP with the fellow scientists and experts from the discussion highlighted how Hong Kong has a unique role in global AI development by uniting international talent and technology behind the city's AI vision which also aligns with China's vision to transform industry through quality productive the largest I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong, HKSTP is home to over 500 AI startups, including home-grown unicorns that are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. In alignment with Hong Kong's bold vision for technological leadership, the HKSTP San Tin Technopole Campus—a 20-hectare site within the soon-to-be-built San Tin Technopole—will serve as a critical catalyst for the city's next wave of innovation. Strategically located in the heart of the Northern Metropolis, the Campus is poised to become a flagship landmark for AI+ and beyond, aiming to promote its widespread development and application across year, WAIC 2025, themed "Global Solidarity in the AI Era," will bring together top scientists, global leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators in the AI participation at WAIC 2025 is a testament to Hong Kong's role as a bridge between Chinese and global innovators, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas, technologies, and governance #HKSTP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined. Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more. Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong. More information about HKSTP is available at
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Humanoid robots embody China's AI ambitions
The Chinese government's push for robotics has some experts saying China might already have the upper hand over the US. (AFP pic) SHANGHAI : Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, stacking shelves and boxing, the dozens of humanoid robots at Shanghai's World AI Conference (WAIC) this weekend were embodiments of China's growing AI prowess and ambition. The annual event is primed at showcasing China's progress in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence, with the government aiming to position the country as a world leader on both technology and regulation as it snaps at the US' heels. Opening the event on Saturday, premier Li Qiang announced China would set up a new organisation for cooperation on AI governance, warning the benefits of development must be balanced with the risks. But in the cavernous expo next door, the mood was more giddy than concerned. 'Demand is currently very strong, whether in terms of data, scenarios, model training, or artificial construction. The overall atmosphere in all these areas is very lively,' said Yang Yifan, R&D director at Transwarp, a Shanghai-based AI platform provider. This year's WAIC is the first since a breakthrough moment for Chinese AI this January when startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems for an apparent fraction of the cost. Organisers said the forum involved more than 800 companies, showcasing over 3,000 products – the undeniable crowd pleasers being the humanoid robots and their raft of slightly surreal party tricks. At one booth, a robot played drums, half a beat out of time, to Queen's 'We Will Rock You' while a man in safety goggles and a security vest hyped up a giggling crowd. Other droids, some dressed in working overalls or baseball caps, manned assembly lines, played curling with human opponents or sloppily served soft drinks from a dispenser. While most of the machines on display were still a little jerky, the increasing sophistication year-on-year was clear to see. The Chinese government has poured support into robotics, an area in which some experts think China might already have the upper hand over the US. At Hangzhou-based Unitree's stall, its G1 android – around 130cm tall, with a two-hour battery life – kicked, pivoted and punched, keeping its balance with relative fluidity as it shadowboxed around a ring. Ahead of the conference's opening, Unitree announced it would launch a full-size humanoid, the R1, for under US$6,000. 'Digital humans' Most high-tech helpers don't need hardware though. At the expo, AI companions – in the form of middle-aged businessmen, scantily clad women and ancient warriors – waved at people from screens, asking how their day was, while other stalls ran demos allowing visitors to create their own digital avatars. Tech giant Baidu on Saturday announced a new generation of technology for its 'digital humans' – AI agents modelled on real people, which it says are 'capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating'. The company recently ran a six-hour e-commerce broadcast hosted by the 'digital human' of a well-known streamer and another avatar. The two agents beat the human streamer's debut sales in some categories, Baidu said. Over ten thousand businesses are using the technology already, the department's head Wu Chenxia told AFP. Asked about the impact on jobs – one of the major concerns raised around widespread AI adoption – Wu insisted that AI was a tool that should be used to improve quality and save time and effort, which still required human input. For now, few visitors to the WAIC expo seemed worried about the potential ramifications of the back-flipping dog robots they were excitedly watching. 'When it comes to China's AI development, we have a comparatively good foundation of data and also a wealth of application scenarios,' said Transwarp's Yang. 'There are many more opportunities for experimentation.'
