Latest news with #SteveWilson
Techday NZ
3 hours ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Cybercriminals harness AI to boost phishing & malware attacks
New research has brought to light the growing use of artificial intelligence tools by cybercriminals behind lesser-known ransomware and malware attacks, highlighting a swiftly evolving threat landscape. The investigations indicate that small cybercriminal groups, including CyberLock, Lucky_Gh0$t, and Numero, have harnessed AI capabilities both to develop more persistent malware and to trick users into downloading malicious payloads. The study outlines how these criminal organisations are adopting AI-driven lures to infect unsuspecting victims, departing from traditional manual techniques in favour of automated, highly convincing fraud. The proliferation of new, seemingly innovative AI services has created opportunities for attackers to blend fraudulent tools with legitimate ones, making it more difficult for individuals and organisations to distinguish between benign and malicious actors online. Steve Wilson, Chief AI and Product Officer at Exabeam, explained the nuances of these new threats. "While AI delivers massive benefits to security teams, we must stay open-eyed about the risks in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape. The recent wave of cybercriminals exploiting AI hype underscores the importance of vigilance," Wilson said. He added, "In some ways, these incidents are classic phishing scams repackaged, but AI puts a concerning new spin on them." Wilson points to two significant risk factors. "First, the sheer excitement and constant emergence of new AI tools mean users are increasingly comfortable trying services from unknown vendors, blurring the lines between legitimate new solutions and malicious impostors. Second, AI technology itself makes it alarmingly easy to craft high-quality counterfeit websites and sophisticated phishing campaigns. Attackers can now mimic authentic brands with unprecedented realism, greatly increasing their chances of success." For users, this evolving threat means that caution is more critical than ever. Wilson cautioned: "Both individuals and organizations must ramp up their vigilance. Users should approach new AI services with scepticism and heightened awareness, carefully verifying legitimacy before engaging. Meanwhile, corporate defenders need to proactively adopt advanced detection tools and modern techniques tailored to counter these AI-enhanced threats. Staying ahead demands constant vigilance and aggressive adaptation." Mike Mitchell, National Cyber Security Consultant at AltTab, echoed these concerns while highlighting the double-edged sword AI presents for the sector. "AI is transforming the world of cyber security, acting as both an ally and a rising threat. On defence teams, AI helps detect and respond to attacks faster by automating tasks like threat hunting, alert triage, and incident response. But attackers are also using AI to launch smarter sophisticated phishing campaigns, automating attacks, and bypassing traditional defences," he said. "This has created a constant race between offensive and defensive innovation." Mitchell emphasised the importance of responsible use and adaption. "As AI agents become more advanced, the focus must shift to ethical use, responsible adoption and strengthening human-AI collaboration. One thing is certain; the future of cyber security is intrinsically linked with the evolution of AI and staying ahead means we must continue to adapt quickly." The findings reflect broader concerns within the cybersecurity community regarding the unpredictable consequences of fast-moving innovation in AI. As both attackers and defenders race to leverage the latest tools, organisations of every size are being urged to educate their users, refine their detection and response protocols, and remain vigilant when navigating the crowded field of AI-enabled products and services. Industry leaders recommend a cautious, informed approach to all new digital tools, particularly those involving AI. By staying alert to the latest tactics employed by cybercriminals, and investing in advanced defence strategies, businesses and individuals can help to reduce their exposure to the next wave of AI-powered threats.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Two Ridgeland High students charged for Snapchat threats against school
The Brief Two 16-year-old students from Ridgeland High School have been charged for making threats on Snapchat referencing the school. One student faces a felony charge and is held in a juvenile detention center, while the other faces a misdemeanor charge and is also in custody. The Walker County Sheriff's Office emphasizes zero tolerance for such acts and encourages anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Durham. LAFAYETTE, Ga. - Two 16-year-old students at Ridgeland High School in Walker County have been charged in connection with threats made on Snapchat referencing the school, authorities said. What we know The threats were posted on May 17, and both teens who attended the school have since been detained, according to the Walker County Sheriff's Office. One student faces a felony charge of making terroristic threats or acts against a school. That student is being held in a juvenile detention center. The second teen has been charged with a misdemeanor count of making terroristic threats and is also in custody at a juvenile facility. What they're saying Sheriff Steve Wilson said the relevant law was signed by Gov. Brian Kemp on April 28. "The Sheriff's Office has zero tolerance for such acts, and all involved will be prosecuted as they are identified," the agency said in a statement. "This is an ongoing investigation." SEE ALSO: Georgia school safety bill signed into law after deadly Apalachee High School shooting What they're saying Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Michael Durham at 706-670-1970, email, mdurham@ or leave an anonymous tip at The Source The Walker County Sheriff's Office provided the details for this article.
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
A sneak peak look at the top toys flying off the shelves!
They're the viral toys which have been pulled from shelves over safety concerns following reports of customers fighting over them at shopping centres. So, if you are one of the thousands of people waiting to get your hands on the coveted Labubu dolls, Steve Wilson is here to give us a sneak peak of the new toys that are sure to fly off the shelves next. Advertisement. We earn commission from some links on this page. When you click on a link, our affiliate partner sets cookies - you can opt out here. Our full disclosure notice is here. Labubu, From £31.50 Crybaby, From £13.50 Jelly Cat, From £25 Funko, From £13 Crystal Art Pins, From £7.99 Disney Lorcana, From £3 Star Wars Unlimited Booster Packs, £4.40 Mini Verse, From £9.99 Sylvanian Families, From £19.99 Mighty Jaxx, £14.99 Matchbox Toy Cars, From £7.99 YuMe, From £12.89 Freak Marbles, From £4 Disney Doorables, From £4.99 Squishmallows, From £3.99 Lego Formula One Cars, From £3.49 Noodoll, From £22.50 Terms and Conditions for more information.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave headed to SLO County after a sunny, breezy Memorial Day weekend
A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri. Open Steve Wilson swilson@ San Luis Obispo County can expect a mild, windy and sunny Memorial Day weekend, followed by 'May Gray' weather during the week. A pattern of strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph) northwesterly winds developing during the afternoon and decreasing during the night and morning will continue through Memorial Day. These winds will produce primarily clear skies, except for low marine clouds with pockets of fog and mist at night and in the morning. Temperatures will remain mild. Inland valleys like Paso Robles will warm into the low 80s, while coastal valleys such as San Luis Obispo will reach the low 70s. Most beaches will see highs in the 50s to low 60s, though southerly facing beaches like Cayucos, Avila Beach and Shell Beach could climb into the low 70s thanks to these downslope winds. The northwesterly winds will decrease on Tuesday and Wednesday to moderate-to-fresh (13 to 24 mph) levels, further lowering to gentle-to-moderate (8 to 18 mph) levels on Thursday into the following weekend. This condition and increasing inland valley temperatures will produce a deep marine layer with night and morning fog and mist, with some clearing along the shoreline in the afternoon, known as 'May Gray.' Away from the ocean, high pressure expanding from the desert will produce the first triple-digit temperatures of 2025 at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport on Friday and Saturday. The record daily high at the airport is 102 degrees on Friday and 106 on Saturday, which could both be broken by this week's temperatures — forecast to reach 102 on Friday and 107 on Saturday. Closer to the ocean, San Luis Obispo is expected to reach the low to mid-80s, while all the beaches will range from the high 50s to the low 60s under cloudy skies. Over this period, the Central Valley could see temperatures ranging between 110 and 115 degrees. Looking further ahead, long-range models indicate that dry conditions will continue through the end of June. Gale-force northwesterly winds along the California coastline will generate a 6- to 8-foot northwesterly (305-degree deep water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 9-second period) on Saturday through Memorial Day. A 5- to 7-foot northwesterly (295-degree deep water) sea and swell (with a 7- to 11- second period) is forecast on Tuesday, decreasing to 3 to 5 feet (with an 8- to 11-second period) on Wednesday and remaining at this level through next Saturday. A 1- to 3-foot southern hemisphere (205-degree deep water) swell (with a 15- to 18- second period) will arrive along our coastline on Saturday and remain at this level through Tuesday, gradually fading away on Wednesday. On June 1 and 2, the highest southern hemisphere swell of the year is expected to arrive at our coastline, at 3- to 5-feet (with an 18- to 22-second period) from 200 degrees. Surface seawater temperatures will range between 49 and 51 degrees through Tuesday, gradually warming through next weekend. 1917: A tornado ripped through southeast Kansas, traveling 65 mph and setting a record for the average speed of any tornado. 1989: Thunderstorms developing ahead of a strong cold front produced severe weather from Oklahoma to Ohio through the day and night. Thunderstorms spawned nine tornadoes, and there were 155 reports of large hail and damaging winds. Hail 3.5 inches in diameter was reported at Dittmer, Missouri, and thunderstorm winds gusting to 90 mph caused $20 million at Rockville, Indiana. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data) 2018: A late-season, low-pressure system centered over the Bay Area produced light rain showers throughout the Central Coast. LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 47, 83 47, 81 49, 83 50, 82 51, 89 55, 102 57, 107 55, 97 LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 49, 70 49, 72 51, 71 52, 75 54, 77 57, 81 58, 84 54, 81 John Lindsey is a retired PG&E marine meteorologist. Email him at JohnLindseyLosOsos@ or follow him on X @PGE_John.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What to expect this Memorial Day weekend in KC as heaviest rains shift south
Although a wet holiday weekend remains in the forecast for the Kansas City area, the threat of the heaviest rainfall has shifted to the south, according to the National Weather Service. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to remain south of U.S. 50 Saturday morning, with 'only an errant shower farther north, the weather service said in its forecast discussion. There is expected to be a break in the rain in the afternoon. Cloudy skies will keep temperatures below average, climbing to around 69 degrees. Kansas City typically sees temperatures around 78 degrees this time of year. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop Saturday night across southern Kansas into southern Missouri, bringing the chance for another round of heavy rain overnight into Sunday, the weather service said. While the heaviest rainfall is expected to be south of the Kansas City forecast area, there is a marginal chance for isolated strong to severe storms just south of the metro area, the weather service said. The main risk from the stronger storms will be hail and damaging winds. There is a potential for multiple thunderstorms to move over the same area one after another, like train cars on a track, leading to heavy rainfall in a short period and increasing the risk of flooding in that area, the weather service said. A flood watch has been issued for Linn County in Kansas and Bates and Henry counties in Missouri. Showers and thunderstorms might continue into the daylight on Sunday, the weather service said. The rain and clouds will result in even cooler temperatures. The metro should see temperatures climb to around 62 degrees. The wet and stormy weather pattern will persist into Memorial Day, with temperatures a degree or two colder. The weather service forecasts that between one and 1.5 inches of rain will fall in the Kansas City metro between Saturday and Tuesday morning. Less than an inch of rain is expected north of the metro, while areas to the south could see two to three inches of rain. Areas south of the Kansas City forecast area are expected to see even higher amounts. 'River flooding is possible, especially for rivers already experiencing elevated flow,' the weather service said. 'Stay weather aware with outdoor activities along or near lakes, streams, or rivers this holiday weekend.' A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri. Open Steve Wilson swilson@
