Information Assured

NVIDIA's ChatRTX allows users to personalize GPT-based AI chatbots by integrating their documents, notes, and images, offering tailored responses through retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and RTX acceleration. This cutting-edge application processes data locally on Windows RTX PCs, ensuring secure and efficient AI-driven interactions. ChatRTX supports a wide range of file formats, including txt, pdf, docx, and image files like jpg and png. Users can load entire folders into the app's library, allowing for seamless content retrieval. The AI can also handle voice commands through automatic speech recognition, creating a versatile and user-friendly experience. With robust system requirements such as RTX 30 or 40 Series GPUs and Windows 11, ChatRTX enhances productivity for users by offering image search, multilingual voice interaction, and rapid document analysis. Developers can leverage TensorRT-LLM RAG for custom AI solutions, with resources available via NVIDIA’s GitHub. NVI...

Over the past year and a half, U.S. water utilities have faced a surge of cyberattacks from cybercriminals, hacktivists, and nation-state actors. Notably, pro-Iranian hackers infiltrated a Pittsburgh-area water utility's programmable logic controller (PLC), defacing its touchscreen with anti-Israel messages and forcing a switch to manual operations. Additionally, a major water operator serving 500 North American communities disconnected its IT and OT networks after ransomware compromised backend systems and exposed customer data. The largest regulated U.S. water utility also experienced outages in customer-facing websites and telecommunications following an October cyberattack.  These incidents have prompted warnings and security guidelines from agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the FBI. The attacks primarily targeted smaller utilities lacking robust security measures, though larger entities wer...

Throughout 2024, global law enforcement agencies conducted significant operations against cybercriminal activities. In February, Operation Cronos, led by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and the FBI, dismantled the infrastructure of the prolific ransomware group LockBit, seizing tools and decryption keys and arresting affiliates.  In May, the U.S. Department of Justice took down the 911 S5 Botnet, a vast network of compromised computers facilitating various cybercrimes, and arrested its operator. Concurrently, Europol's Operation Endgame targeted malware droppers like IcedID and Trickbot, resulting in arrests and server takedowns across multiple countries.  In July, Interpol's Operation Jackal III erupted West African cybercrime groups, including Black Axe. This led to 300 arrests and the seizure of assets worth $3 million. These coordinated efforts underscore the increasing collaboration among international law enforcement to combat cyber threats effectively.  Infose...

Watching China's fantastic social, technical, military, scientific, and engineering advancements and changes has been a fun year.  China's technological landscape in 2024 showcased significant strides in quantum computing, spaceflight, humanoid robotics, and AI-generated content. The launch of the superconducting quantum computer "Origin Wukong" and the reusable satellite Shijian 19 highlighted China's advancements in space and computing. With the introduction of the Tiangong electric-driven robot, the country's progress in humanoid robotics marks a leap forward in embodied intelligence. Geopolitically, China’s United Front Work Department (UFWD) continues to shape global influence while increasing tensions with the U.S. over espionage claims and Taiwan. Meanwhile, China’s commercial space sector accelerated with successful rocket launches and commercial site developments, reinforcing the nation's position as a space contender. China and the U.S. remain co...

China is intensifying its antitrust crackdown on tech giants, with the latest target being Nvidia, a leading American chipmaker. The Chinese government has launched an investigation into Nvidia's proposed acquisition of Arm, a British chip designer, citing concerns over potential monopolies and unfair competition. This move is part of China's broader efforts to regulate its tech industry and promote domestic innovation, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and increase its global competitiveness. The investigation into Nvidia is significant, as it marks one of the first major antitrust actions taken by China against a foreign tech company. It also highlights the growing tensions between China and the US over tech policy and trade, with both countries seeking to protect their own interests and promote their own industries. As the global tech landscape continues to evolve, China's antitrust crackdown is likely to have far-reaching implications for companie...

The US Air Force and the Chinese Air Force are two of the world's most advanced air forces, with significant differences in their aircraft fleets, technological advancements, and strategic capabilities. The US Air Force operates a fleet of approximately 5,300 aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. In contrast, the Chinese Air Force has around 2,500 aircraft, with a growing number of advanced fighter jets like the J-20 and J-31 and strategic bombers like the Xian H-6. The US Air Force also has a significant advantage in aerial refueling capabilities, with over 400 KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders, while the Chinese Air Force is still developing its own aerial refueling capabilities. The Chinese Air Force is rapidly modernizing its fleet, focusing on developing advanced stealth fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. The J-20, China's first operational stealth fighter, has been in service since 20...