Latest Tech News

Here are some of the latest tech news around the world.

1. US offers $10 million bounty for info on ‘Blackcat’ hackers who hit UnitedHealth:

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday offered up to $10 million for information on the “Blackcat” ransomware gang who hit the UnitedHealth Group’s tech unit and snarled insurance payments across America.

“The ALPHV Blackcat ransomware-as-a-service group compromised computer networks of critical infrastructure sectors in the United States and worldwide,” the department said in a statement announcing the reward offer.

UnitedHealth said last week it was beginning to clear a medical claims backlog of more than $14 billion as it brought its services back online following the cyberattack, which caused wide-ranging disruption starting in late February.

2. China’s WuXi AppTec shared US client’s data with Beijing, US intelligence officials told senators:

U.S. intelligence officials in late February told senators working on a biotech security bill that Chinese pharmaceutical firm WuXi AppTec (603259.SS), opens new tab had transferred U.S. intellectual property to Beijing without consent, according to two sources.

The U.S. government is concerned that certain Chinese biotech companies are contributing technology or research and development for use by China’s military, and the proposed legislation would restrict U.S. government funds going to those Chinese companies.

The classified briefing to about a dozen senators was led by the FBI, the State Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Those officials said that WuXi AppTec and other Chinese entities had engaged in activity in the U.S. contrary to U.S. national security interests, the sources said on condition of anonymity.

3. Slamm Foundation, ISC2 train women in cybersecurity to address industry’s diversity shortage:

In a significant stride towards enhancing gender diversity in the tech sector, 20 women have graduated from the certified cybersecurity program by the Slamm Foundation and (ISC2).

Despite the industry’s growth, women remain underrepresented, holding less than a quarter of the cybersecurity workforce, and underscoring a persistent gender gap in this critical field

However, there is optimism for the future, with forecasts indicating that by 2025, women will occupy 30% of cybersecurity roles, projected to rise to 35% by 2031. 

The collaborative effort between the Slamm Foundation and ISC2, under their ‘One Million Campaign’ initiative, aims to expedite the realization of this objective by advocating for increased female participation in cybersecurity.

4. Florida bans children under 14 from social media in sweeping new law:

Titled HB3 and signed by governor Ron DeSantis, the bill directs social media firms to delete the accounts of under-14s and introduces fines of up to $50,000 for violations.

Children under 14 will be barred from joining social media in Florida from next year.

Signed into law by governor Ron DeSantis, the legislation directs social media firms to delete the accounts of under-14s.

Children aged 14 and 15 will also need parental consent before signing up for platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Companies who fail to delete accounts risk being sued on behalf of children – with the minor awarded up to $10,000 (£7,908) – and could also be fined up to $50,000 (£39,538) per violation of the law.

It’s set to come into effect in Florida from January next year, but challenges by firms claiming it violates the US constitution are expected.

5. MainOne estimates 6 to 8 weeks as timelines for subsea fibre optic cable repairs:

MainOne, a leading provider of undersea fibre optic cable services, has estimated a timeline of 6 to 8 weeks for the repair of damaged cables in a recent incident.

The company, known for its commitment to providing reliable connectivity across the region, noted in its latest statement that it has been actively restoring services and enabling regional interconnection to maintain stability in the digital ecosystem.

Despite the challenges posed by the damaged cables, MainOne said it remained resilient and agile, focusing on delivering value to its customers and sustaining West Africa’s digital infrastructure. In its latest update, the company emphasized its dedication to expediting the repair process in collaboration with maintenance partners, vessel owners, and permitting authorities.