Computers
Cybersecurity threats to lookout for in 2021 and beyond
Threats to intelligent edge computing and 5G-enabled devices will increase
Researchers from Fortinet have identified several cybersecurity threats for 2021 that will greatly impact both the consumer and enterprise sector. By 2021, cybersecurity threats on intelligent edge computing and 5G-enabled devices will double as most companies continue to implement remote working schemes.
A new wave of cybersecurity threats will also arise due to advances in computing. These threats have the potential to disrupt a large number of businesses and consumers in the future. Thus, preparation and eventual mitigation are key to stemming the potential disruption by these threats.
Threats on the intelligent edge are on the rise
Intelligent edge computing is more popular than ever thanks to remote work with most employees making use of personal and interconnected devices to access the company network. However, intelligent edge computing presents new threats as cybercriminals exploit these “edges” (i.e. connected IoTs, personal devices) thanks to a decentralized approach by companies.
These threats can run the gamut from ransomware to malware. As intelligent edge computing booms, cybercriminals can specifically target edge devices with malware that could disrupt corporate networks. They can design malware that could understand usage patterns, adapt accordingly, and attack networks with little to no risk of suspicion. Moreover, sophisticated malware may spread through networks to propagate additional attack commands or disrupt more networks and devices.
Ransomware on the rise
This 2021, consumers and businesses should be more concerned with social engineering-based attacks and ransomware. One of the most common forms of social engineering-based attacks is phishing. In phishing, cybercriminals send fake emails supposedly from legitimate entities coercing users into sending their personal information. For example, a user may receive a fake bank email notice warning of impending account closure but contains malicious links instead.
These attacks may even lock users from their personal data, holding them hostage until they pay a hefty amount of cash. Ransomware attacks do just that, affecting not only consumers but also the enterprise sector. As more businesses rely on edge devices for critical operations, the potential for a future ransomware attack rises significantly posing more risks than ever before.
Human lives are also at stake with ransomware attacks that blow out of control. An example of this happened last year when several hospitals across the US were hit by a variant of the Ryuk ransomware. As a result, several hospitals have to transfer their patients to other facilities since their systems cannot perform patient monitoring and other critical operations.
Advances in crypto mining and attacks on satellite-based networks
Bringing artificial intelligence and machine learning could also open up advances in crypto mining. While not inherently bad, cybercriminals can infect consumer devices more easily and gain access to system resources. When abused, crypto mining could potentially impact any device and affect users’ experience.
Meanwhile, network operators should prepare for more advanced attacks as they become reliant on satellite-based systems. Cybercriminals could infect a satellite base station and propagate malware to connected devices. Satellite-based networks could become a conduit for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in this way.
As an example, a cybercriminal could hijack a base station and inject scripts into other devices. In turn, infected devices could run malicious commands that could disrupt the connection of other networks.
Quantum computing, preparing for present and future threats
Quantum computers are the next big thing in computing, relying on qubits instead of the traditional binary bit present in all devices today. Research in quantum computing has made significant progress over the years, with working quantum computers not too far on the horizon.
Quantum computers, however, could also pose a new problem in the future. In the future, these can break traditional encryption algorithms rendering encryption moot. Fortinet advises businesses to adapt accordingly by using the principles of crypto agility.
In the meantime, businesses can readily adapt to these threats through a careful combination of technology, people, training, and partnerships. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are also key technologies for preparing against and mitigating future cybersecurity threats. Businesses can train AI to spot attack patterns and identify threats even before they become a reality.
Partnerships are also vital in stemming the tide against cybercriminals. The enterprise sector, for example, could partner with law enforcement agencies for information sharing and dismantling of malicious networks.
Cybersecurity threats are here to stay
Connected devices have transformed society by enabling instant communication and richer user experiences. However, it also opens up new threats from cybercriminals willing to exploit and gather sensitive data.
There’s an old adage that says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same adage applies all the more in cybersecurity. Threats are here to stay, so consumers and businesses should prepare and mitigate potential impacts as much as possible. Thankfully, it is easy to stay safe and protected by following best practices.
Computers
Select GIGABYTE Intel motherboards now support HUDIMM
Offering budget-conscious builders more flexibility, accessibility
GIGABYTE announced a comprehensive BIOS update for its Intel 800, 700, and 600 series motherboards. These motherboards are now support the new HUDIMM memory standard, enabling “One Sub-channel DDR5” technology.
The specification is designed to reduce the high retail costs associated with modern memory by utilizing a single 32-bit sub-channel rather than the standard dual-channel configuration.
This update primarily targets the budget-conscious builders. Even system integrators, who have been restricted by DDR5 market pricing, should benefit.
HUDIMM provides a more accessible entry point for those building on modern Intel platforms, by reducing the DRAM chip count per module.
This is without requiring the premium investment typically demanded by high-bandwidth kits.
Beyond initial builds, the update facilitates unconventional upgrade paths for mainstream users. The firmware allows for asymmetric mixing.
In other words, a user can pair a low-cost 8 GB HUDIMM with an existing 16 GB standard module.
This configuration allows for a 24 GB total capacity, providing a middle-ground performance boost that utilizes three combined sub-channels.
GIGABYTE confirmed the BIOS firmware is available immediately via its official website. The company also stated that the update ensures seamless detection and stable operation of the new modules across its entire compatible Intel motherboard lineup.
MINIX has launched the T4000 and T5000 Generative AI Mini Workstations.
These powerful and space-saving solutions are built for professional generative AI, local large language model (LLM) inference, content creation, on-premise enterprise deployment, and lightweight model training.
The desktops are powered by the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Thor series modules with flagship Blackwell architecture. As such, they deliver exceptional on-device AI horsepower in a small desktop form factor.
The build features durable metal and plastic chassis, plus twin turbo intercooler for sustained performance.
The new offerings are engineered for professionals, developers, creators, and IT teams, redefining edge and on-premise AI without bulky server hardware.
At the core of the T4000 and T5000 are NVIDIA’s cutting-edge compute platform:
- T4000: Up to 1200 Sparse FP4 TFLOPs AI performance
- T5000: Up to 2070 Sparse FP4 TFLOPs AI performance
- 1536-2560 Blackwell GPU with fifth-generation Tensor Cores
- Multi-Instance GPU (MIG) for parallel task efficiency
- NVIDIA PVA 3.0 dedicated vision processing engine
The workstations natively support smooth local inference for 7B-70B parameter LLMs. This makes private, low-latency AI accessible for businesses and creators.
In addition, the offerings feature high-core-count Arm processing and large, fast memories of up to 128GB DDR5 on 12-core or 14-core Arm Neoverse-V3AE 64-bit CPU.
Designed for professional workflows, the mini workstations also include enterprise-grade networking and flexible expansion:
- Dual 10GbE ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 2x HDMI 2.1 TMDS (4K@60Hz)
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- 24V DC input, up to 200W max power
Ideal use cases for the MINIX T4000 and T5000 include local LLM inference, generative AI creation, on-device AI computing, and lightweight model training.
Computers
Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA
From AI inferencing to gigawatt-scale AI factories
Lenovo has unveiled new Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA solutions designed to accelerate AI adoption, reduce time-to-first-token (TTFT), and deliver measurable business results across personal, enterprise, and cloud environments.
Building on the inferencing acceleration introduced at Lenovo Tech World, this next phase of Hybrid AI execution expands the solutions with device to data center to gigawatt-scale AI cloud deployments.
This enables real-time decision-making, operational efficiency, and intelligent automation across industries at global scale. The solutions boost productivity, agility, and innovation by enabling faster AI deployment.
The development comes as AI is seen moving from training models powering real-time decisions. Lenovo is prepared to address the demand for validated hybrid AI platforms built for production-scale inferencing, as organizations will need infrastructure to support such.
In fact, Lenovo’s Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA are now delivering ROI in less than six months. The new inferencing-optimized ThinkSystem and ThinkEdge servers are being utilized for real-time inferencing across retail, manufacturing, healthcare, sports, and smart city scenarios.
The expanded portfolio includes:
- two Lenovo Hybrid AI platforms, featuring NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition and Blackwell Ultra
- Hybrid AI inferencing starter platform with RTX PRO 4500 Blackwell Server Edition
- Lenovo ThinkAgile HX650a with Nutanix Enterprise AI and Nutanix Kubernetes Platform
- Lenovo Hybrid AI platforms with Cloudian
Bringing inferencing directly to professionals
Lenovo and NVIDIA are bringing AI from development environments to real-world production at a global scale. This is thanks to new Lenovo AI inferencing platforms with NVIDIA Dynamo and NVIDIA NIM.
Meanwhile, Lenovo AI Cloud gigafactory platforms are powered by NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72. Industry-specific agentic AI solutions are also built with NVIDIA Blueprints and software.
For consumers, there’s next-generation NVIDIA RTX Pro Blackwell-powered mobile and desktop workstations. These will be rolled out across the ThinkPad P14s Gen 7, ThinkPad P16s Gen 5, and ThinkPad P1 Gen 1 lineups.
ThinkStation P5 Gen 2 desktops, meanwhile, will get up to two RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q GPUs. They will also have support for NVIDIA OpenShell.
For gigawatt-scale scenarios, the next-gen Vera Rubin platform accelerates deployment for hyperscale and sovereign AI cloud providers.
These fully liquid-cooled, rack-scale AI systems are engineered for faster deployment and dramatically improved token economics. They can achieve up to 10x higher throughput and up to 10x lower cost per token.
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