Google launches AI certificate as Anthropic faces data theft claims

Key Takeaways

• F5 Labs launched the Comprehensive AI Security Index (CASI) and Agentic Resistance Score (ARS) leaderboards for monthly AI model security benchmarking.
• Missouri and Florida lawmakers are proposing regulations for AI data centers, focusing on permits for large water users and preventing increased utility costs for consumers.
• Google introduced the AI Professional Certificate, offering practical AI skills through 20+ hands-on exercises and three months of free Google AI Pro access.
• A University of Virginia professor found that AI chatbots enhanced teamwork among MBA students by aiding brainstorming and analysis of team dynamics.
• Elon Musk accused Amazon-backed Anthropic of stealing AI training data, following Anthropic's claims that DeepSeek copied its Claude model.
• xAI's $7 million sound barrier in Southaven, Mississippi, has failed to mitigate noise complaints from residents near its temporary power plant.
• Security experts warn that AI is increasing tax season fraud risks by enabling cybercriminals to create highly convincing fake messages and deepfakes.
• Splunk's Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Paul Kurtz, stresses the urgent need for businesses to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity strategies.
• Investor Howard Marks asserts that AI cannot replace human judgment, intuition, and qualitative assessment in complex investment decisions.

F5 Labs launches AI security benchmarks for better model risk management

F5 Labs has introduced new tools, the AI Security Index (CASI) and Agentic Resistance Score (ARS) leaderboards, to help organizations test and compare the security of AI systems. These metrics provide a clear way to assess AI model performance, risks, and resistance to attacks. The goal is to bring more transparency and standardization to AI security, allowing companies to make smarter decisions about deploying AI. These leaderboards are updated monthly and use threat intelligence to reflect the latest AI risks.

F5 Labs offers new AI model security rankings and threat intelligence

F5 Labs has launched new resources to help businesses evaluate AI model security. The Comprehensive AI Security Index (CASI) and Agentic Resistance Score (ARS) leaderboards provide monthly updated benchmarks for comparing AI models. These tools use threat intelligence and testing methods to help organizations understand AI risks. This aims to give security leaders more confidence in adopting and deploying AI technologies.

F5 Labs ranks AI models by attack resistance with new leaderboards

F5 Labs has released new AI Leaderboards featuring monthly Comprehensive AI Security Index (CASI) and Agentic Resistance Score (ARS) metrics. These tools help security teams evaluate and compare the security risks of popular AI models before they are used. The leaderboards assess factors like performance, risk-to-performance ratio, and how well AI systems withstand sustained attacks. This initiative aims to provide better visibility into AI vulnerabilities and improve defenses against evolving threats.

Missouri lawmakers propose rules for AI data centers

Missouri lawmakers are considering new bills to regulate artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers in the state. Representatives Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Costlow are leading the effort, aiming to attract tech investment while protecting residents and resources. The proposed rules would require permits for large water users, including data centers, and ensure that increased utility costs are not passed on to consumers. Some lawmakers believe these bills are a good start but need more comprehensive regulations.

Florida Senate passes data center rules amid AI growth

The Florida Senate has approved a bill to regulate large data centers, aiming to protect consumers from higher electricity and water costs. This bipartisan legislation comes as Florida sees a rise in data center development, partly due to AI demand. The bill requires data center operators to agree with utility providers on cost coverage for increased usage. It also allows for public input on projects that could affect utility rates. The goal is to balance attracting new businesses with safeguarding residents' interests.

Author changes mind on AI's potential

The author initially viewed large language models, the technology behind AI chatbots, with skepticism, considering them potentially flawed. However, after experimenting with AI tools for a week, they discovered that both strong supporters and critics of AI might be mistaken. This experience led to a reassessment of their relationship with AI, suggesting a more nuanced perspective is needed.

Google offers new AI certificate for tech careers

Google has launched the AI Professional Certificate to help people gain practical artificial intelligence skills. The program includes over 20 hands-on exercises for tasks like planning, research, writing, and app creation using Google's AI tools. It covers AI fundamentals, prompting, and responsible AI use. The certificate also offers three months of free access to Google AI Pro and is designed for self-paced learning, preparing individuals for AI-related jobs.

Professor finds AI enhances teamwork skills

A University of Virginia professor discovered that using AI chatbots actually improved teamwork among MBA students. Instead of replacing collaboration, the AI tools helped students brainstorm, research, and analyze their team dynamics. Students used AI to identify communication issues and potential biases, leading to better collaboration and results. The professor now sees AI as an opportunity to strengthen teamwork rather than a threat.

Elon Musk accuses Anthropic of stealing AI data

Elon Musk has accused Anthropic, an AI company backed by Amazon, of stealing AI training data on a massive scale. This accusation comes after Anthropic claimed that Chinese AI firms like DeepSeek copied its Claude model. Musk's comments escalate his ongoing dispute with Anthropic, highlighting tensions in the competitive AI development landscape.

xAI's $7M sound wall fails to block noisy power plant

Neighbors near xAI's temporary power plant in Southaven, Mississippi, are complaining about constant noise from gas turbines. xAI spent $7 million on a sound barrier, but residents say it barely reduces the noise. The plant is powering Elon Musk's AI ambitions, and residents are concerned about the ongoing noise pollution and potential health risks from permanent turbines. A local group is working to block permits for the new turbines.

AI boosts tax season fraud risks, experts warn

Security experts warn that artificial intelligence is making tax season more vulnerable to fraud. Cybercriminals can use AI to create highly convincing fake messages and documents, impersonating the IRS or financial institutions. AI tools remove barriers like language and technical skills, allowing individuals to launch sophisticated scams easily. Deepfake technology can also be used for realistic impersonations, making it crucial for people to verify information carefully before acting.

Splunk advisor stresses need for AI in cybersecurity

Paul Kurtz, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor for Splunk, emphasizes the growing urgency for businesses to adopt AI-driven security strategies. He notes that companies feel a strong need to use AI to improve their defenses and resilience against cyberattacks. Kurtz highlights that AI can help automate processes and stay ahead of evolving threats, making proactive defense crucial in today's landscape.

Howard Marks: AI can't replace human investors' judgment

Investor Howard Marks believes AI will push many asset managers out of business due to its data processing capabilities. However, he argues that successful investors will excel in areas where AI is weak, such as assessing management skill and qualitative factors. Marks points out that AI lacks human judgment, intuition, and the emotional understanding of risk that experienced investors possess. While AI is improving rapidly, human insight remains crucial for navigating complex investment decisions.

Sources

• F5 Labs Sets New Standard for AI Security Benchmarking With Model Risk Leaderboards and Threat Intelligence
• F5 Labs Sets New Standard for AI Security Benchmarking With Model Risk Leaderboards and Threat Intelligence
• New leaderboard ranks popular AI models by attack resistance
• Missouri lawmakers address bills that would regulate AI data centers
• Florida Senate passes data center regulations amid Trump AI intrigue
• Why I have changed my mind about AI and you should too
• Google Rolls Out AI Career Certificate: A Gateway To Tomorrow's Tech Jobs
• Opinion | How I Killed—and Revived—Teamwork With AI
• Elon Musk Calls Anthropic Guilty Of Stealing AI Training Data At 'Massive Scale' After Amazon-Backed Company Accuses Chinese Rivals Of Copying
• xAI spent $7M building wall that barely muffles annoying power plant noise
• How AI Could Impact Tax Season Security This Year
• Splunk’s Paul Kurtz highlights urgency around AI-driven security strategies
• Howard Marks Says Great Investors Are Strong Where AI Is Weakest