Top Stories
AI & Machine Learning
Google Threat Intelligence Group’s report details how state-backed and private threat actors are increasingly misusing AI models for reconnaissance, phishing, malware development, and intellectual property theft, including “distillation attacks” on proprietary models. Google Threat Intelligence Group
Big Tech & Digital Industry
Two more co-founders of Elon Musk’s xAI have announced their departure from the company following its merger with SpaceX, raising questions about the future leadership and direction of the AI startup. The Verge
Cybersecurity & Cyberwar
Apple released urgent security updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other devices to address an actively exploited zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-20700) that could allow arbitrary code execution in sophisticated targeted attacks. The Hacker News
Microsoft issued patches for 59 vulnerabilities as part of its February Patch Tuesday, including six zero-days that have been actively exploited in the wild for privilege escalation and denial-of-service attacks. The Hacker News
Security researchers uncovered “Promptware” attacks, demonstrating how AI assistants like Google Gemini can be exploited via Google Calendar invites to stream victims’ cameras, raising new concerns about AI-enabled surveillance. Cyber Security News
Regulation & Digital Policy
Russia has allegedly attempted a nationwide block of WhatsApp for over 100 million users, forcing citizens towards Kremlin-backed alternatives amid concerns of increased surveillance and digital control. Cyber Security News
The European Court of Justice’s ruling on WhatsApp has reignited the debate on the balance of power between Big Tech and European regulators, clarifying the scope of EU regulatory authority under GDPR. Cyber Security 360
Tech Economy & Markets
The price of 64GB DDR5 RAM has surged by 300% in six months, now costing more than a MacBook Air, indicating significant market volatility and supply chain pressures for critical computing components. TechRadar
Digital Society & Rights
Privacy advocates are urging California Governor Newsom to remove covert license plate readers hidden in traffic equipment across Southern California, which feed data into a U.S. Border Patrol predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of drivers. Fast Company
Federal Employee News
House and Senate Democrats have reintroduced the FAIR Act, proposing a 4.1% federal pay raise for 2027 to align federal employee salaries more closely with private sector rates. Federal News Network
Tech briefing automatically generated on 12 February 2026.