Cisco confirmed a data breach in its DevHub environment, with threat actors stealing data, including API tokens and credentials. The breach was publicized by IntelBroker on a cybercrime forum, who claimed continued access despite Cisco's efforts to block it. Cisco has since removed public access to DevHub and is investigating the breach, assuring no sensitive personal or financial data was compromised. IntelBroker, known for previous high-profile cyberattacks, maintained access using hard-coded credentials until public access was disabled.

Databricks and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have entered a strategic agreement to enhance generative AI capabilities through the use of AWS Trainium chips and Databricks Mosaic AI. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of custom AI models, allowing businesses to leverage their data for competitive advantage. The collaboration builds on an existing relationship, with significant investments planned to support users and modernize data platforms. The initiative is expected to benefit various industries by providing cost-effective solutions for deploying AI applications.

Sebastien Bubeck, Microsoft's Vice President of GenAI research, is set to join OpenAI, highlighting the ongoing competition for tech talent. Bubeck's departure follows several high-profile exits from OpenAI, including Mira Muti and Bob McGrew. Microsoft acknowledges Bubeck's contributions, particularly in developing the Phi LLMs, which are efficient language models. Despite Bubeck's move, his colleagues will continue their work at Microsoft. The company has a significant investment in OpenAI, with collaborations like the Microsoft Copilot service utilizing OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo.

Open-source software is increasingly vulnerable to security threats, with a 156% rise in malicious packages reported by Sonatype's 10th Annual State of the Software Supply Chain Report. The report highlights the massive growth in open-source package downloads, particularly JavaScript, and the challenges in addressing vulnerabilities, with some taking over 500 days to fix. Open-source projects with paid support tend to have better security policies. New cybersecurity legislation, including the EU's NIS2, aims to address these threats by mandating the use of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to manage risks.

Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, has been appointed as the chair of the new Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, aiming to drive growth in key sectors like technology and financial services. The council seeks to create a pro-business environment in the UK, focusing on industries with competitive advantages. The appointment follows recent criticisms from tech firms, but is seen as a positive step for attracting investment. Poppy Gustafsson, former CEO of Darktrace, was recently appointed as the UK's minister for investment, highlighting the government's focus on technology.

Cisco Systems has invested in AI start-up CoreWeave, valued at £17.5 billion, to enhance its AI capabilities. CoreWeave, backed by NVIDIA and private equity firms, recently raised £841.2 million and plans an IPO in 2025. Cisco's investment is part of its $1 billion AI fund aimed at developing the AI ecosystem. The company seeks to leverage CoreWeave's AI cloud infrastructure to boost its AI offerings and support industry-wide AI advancements.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched an inquiry into Ryanair's passenger ID verification process following complaints from customers. The investigation focuses on the use of facial recognition technology and the processing of personal data, particularly for customers booking through third-party websites. Ryanair's additional ID checks stem from its contentious relationship with online travel agents, who allegedly sell tickets without permission. The DPC aims to ensure Ryanair's practices comply with GDPR regulations. Previously, a US court ruled against Booking.com for unauthorized access to Ryanair's website, highlighting ongoing tensions between airlines and online travel agents.

Vodafone's research indicates that the introduction of standalone 5G connectivity in the UK could boost the economy by £3 billion annually through increased productivity and fuel savings. The potential merger with Three UK is expected to facilitate this rollout, aiming for 95% population coverage by 2030. The research highlights significant productivity gains and reduced train delays, emphasizing the transformative impact of 5G technology on road and rail travel.

The UK Government has allocated £711 million to Oracle and IBM for modernizing ERP software across several departments, including the Department for Work & Pensions and the Ministry of Justice. The Synergy Programme aims to develop a Common Operating Model and enhance shared services. Despite the strategic value, the implementation has faced criticism from the Public Accounts Committee for inadequate funding and planning. Oracle and IBM have secured long-term contracts, with Oracle on a ten-year deal and IBM on a five-year contract.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared Amazon's £3 billion investment in AI start-up Anthropic, determining that the deal does not require further investigation. The CMA found no competition concerns as Anthropic's UK turnover does not exceed £70 million or account for more than a 25% market share. Amazon's investment aims to enhance competition in generative AI, with Anthropic using Amazon Web Services and Amazon chips for AI model development. The CMA's decision aligns with previous approvals of tech partnerships, such as Microsoft's collaboration with Mistral AI. Anthropic awaits a CMA decision on its partnership with Google.