Latest Robots: VB Daily | February 4 - As tensions between Russia and Ukraine rise, so do cyberattacks

Presented by

The Lead

[1] Cyberattack attempted against a western government 'entity' in Ukraine, researchers say

[2] 78% of U.S. execs rely on AI insights to enhance marketing efforts

[3] Anything that can go wrong: Using Metcalfe's Law to avoid Murphy's Law

The Follow

[1] A Russia-linked threat actor attempted a cyberattack in Ukraine against an "entity" that's part of an unidentified western government, according to researchers in Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 organization. The attempted attack took place on January 19 and was carried out by a group that Unit 42 calls "Gamaredon." The group's leadership includes five Russian Federal Security Service officers, the Security Service of Ukraine said previously.

In a blog post today, Unit 42 researchers said that Gamaredon has "primarily focused its cyber campaigns against Ukrainian government officials and organizations" since 2013.

The researchers said they have been closely monitoring Gamaredon's activities because of the geopolitical situation and the group's target focus.

The disclosure of the attempted attack came amid estimates that Russia has stationed more than 100,000 troops on the eastern border of Ukraine. On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden approved sending an additional 3,000 U.S. troops to Eastern Europe amid this crisis. >> Read more.

[2] Using artificial intelligence (AI) to create personalized language and content is one of the most impactful tools digital marketers have available to ensure they stay ahead of the curve in ever-evolving markets.

In January 2022, Persado and Coresight Research found that 78.3% of U.S.-based executives hold AI accountable for creative development and execution. In doing so, marketers can leverage AI-generated content and track the impact of words and phrases that resonate most with their customers. >> Read more.

[3] As international supply chains experience massive disruptions, Murphy's Law seems appropriate with its adage: "anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

It's imperative that businesses figure out repeatable, scalable ways to reduce inefficiencies and eliminate variables that incur excess transaction costs — during turbulent times or the regularly scheduled program. How, then, can businesses conduct business better?

Companies that embrace technology to address the multiple issues involved in the execution of contracts can drive down the costs of doing business by eradicating margins of error and removing friction. In other words, the antithesis of operating in an environment governed by Murphy's Law is one that, instead, looks to the expansive and exponential properties of Metcalfe's Law. >> Read more.

A MESSAGE FROM STAR ATLAS

Can this triple-A space exploration game usher in the promise of the metaverse?

There’s a lot of misconception about blockchain and NFTs in the metaverse, stemming from some shady entrants. That’s why a triple-A game, that has true ownership for gamers at its core, may be what’s needed to bring the full promise of the metaverse to life. Star Atlas’ CEO Michael Wagener explains how the metaverse they’re imagining is one of full decentralization, where the developers are ultimately kicked off the throne, allowing the players to have control of what happens. Get a deeper understanding here.

The Buzz

Mark Tenenholtz

@marktenenholtz

You should always work on improving your model evaluation skills.

Model evaluation is the worst taught skill in machine learning, and I believe the best way of improving is through practice.

But, this paper from @rasbt is by far my favorite single written resource: https://t.co/XZMgkTYMCz

5:00 AM - 4 Feb 2022

Tony Kulesa

@kulesatony

Biotech is entering a new age.

In the heyday of Bell Labs, wartime spurred not only rapid invention, but also raised ambitions to create "the most complex machine ever attempted."

At that time, the most complex machine was the universal phone system. Today, it is man itself.

8:26 AM - 3 Feb 2022

A MESSAGE FROM STAR ATLAS

Triple-A gameplay meets play-to-win and -to-earn

The reception to Star Atlas since its launch just a few months ago has surprised even its CEO. Virtually all of the inventory of assets released to the market have been purchased and they now have 145,000 members in their Discord channel, with thousands of people joining their Town Halls. Have a look at how this triple-A game, living on top of a metaverse platform, has captured the interest of so many.

On This Day

On this day in tech history, the developer of UNIX, Kenneth Thompson, was born in 1948. Together with his colleague, Dennis Ritchie, the two created the UNIX system at AT&T Bell Laboratories. The UNIX operating system rose in popularity, particularly with engineers and scientists because of its time-sharing and file-management capabilities in addition to its other multitasking functionalities.

VB Live

How SMBs can turn limited marketing budgets into more leads and real ROI

In this VB Live event, you'll learn how to make the most impact with your budget. You'll hear how to sift through the noise and leverage data to measure true ROI and generate leads that convert to customers.