Nvidia, AMD Partner on $10B Saudi AI Push, Microsoft Warns

AI is rapidly transforming various sectors, from cybersecurity and retail to healthcare and entertainment. In cybersecurity, companies are using AI to enhance customer identity and access management (CIAM) by improving authentication and fraud detection. However, vulnerabilities remain, as highlighted by recent flaws in password managers and the exploitation of a Cisco vulnerability by Russian hackers. Experts emphasize that identity is the new security perimeter, advocating for digital verification services to combat data breaches and deepfakes. ZainTECH is addressing these challenges by launching an AI-powered managed security service across the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is making a significant push into the AI arena with its company Humain, partnering with Nvidia and AMD to build substantial data center capacity. Humain plans to import 18,000 Nvidia AI units and has a potential $10 billion deal with AMD. However, Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, cautions that people may not be adapting quickly enough to AI changes, stressing the importance of reskilling programs. Concerns are also rising about a potential AI investment bubble, with heavy spending on AI infrastructure possibly driving a large portion of this year's GDP growth. On the AI model front, a new AI model inspired by the human brain is outperforming models like ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude 3.7 in certain tests. However, AI is not without its flaws; research from MIT indicates that AI systems can make dangerous medical errors due to simple mistakes and biases. In education, an SFU professor is using a 3D AI character named Kia as a teaching assistant in a course exploring AI technologies and ethics. Finally, AI is also making its way into entertainment, with an AI-enhanced version of 'The Wizard of Oz' coming to the Sphere in Las Vegas, promising an immersive experience with enhanced visuals and special effects.

Key Takeaways

• AI-powered CIAM systems are improving authentication and fraud detection in retail by analyzing login details.
• Flaws in password managers like Bitwarden and Dashlane have been identified and patched, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity risks.
• Ping Identity's CEO emphasizes that identity is the new security perimeter, advocating for digital verification services and digital credentials.
• Saudi Arabia's Humain is partnering with Nvidia and AMD to build large-scale AI data centers, aiming for 1.9 gigawatts of capacity by 2030.
• Humain plans to import 18,000 Nvidia AI units, pending U.S. approval, and has a potential $10 billion deal with AMD.
• Microsoft's CEO of AI warns that people may not be adapting quickly enough to AI, stressing the need for reskilling programs.
• Concerns are growing about a potential AI investment bubble, with heavy spending on AI infrastructure possibly driving a significant portion of this year's GDP growth.
• A new AI model inspired by the human brain is outperforming models like OpenAI's o3-mini-high and Anthropic's Claude 3.7 in tests measuring progress toward AGI.
• MIT research shows that AI systems can make dangerous medical errors due to simple mistakes and biases, necessitating diverse data and regulations.
• An SFU professor is using a 3D AI character named Kia as a teaching assistant to explore AI technologies and ethics in a new course.

AI Transforms Retail Customer Identity with Smarter Security

AI is changing how retail businesses manage customer identity and security. AI-powered CIAM systems use machine learning to improve authentication by analyzing login details like device and location. This helps detect fraud, personalize customer experiences, and automate identity checks. AI also enables adaptive security policies that adjust to real-time threats, making identity management more efficient and secure for retailers.

Password Manager Flaws, Apple Zero-Day Highlight Cyber Threats

This week's cybersecurity news includes flaws in password managers that could allow theft of account information. Fixes have been released for Bitwarden, Dashlane, and others. Russian hackers are exploiting an old Cisco vulnerability to target U.S. infrastructure. Apple fixed a severe flaw in its operating systems that was actively being used by hackers. Also, INTERPOL arrested over 1,200 cybercriminals in Africa, recovering $97.4 million.

Identity is the New Security Perimeter, Says Ping Identity CEO

The idea of a secure network border is outdated because of cloud services and remote work. Andre Durand, CEO of Ping Identity, says that identity is now the new security perimeter. Hackers are targeting weak points in onboarding and call centers to steal passwords. The industry is moving towards digital verification services and digital credentials to reduce data breach risks. These credentials, issued by trusted institutions, allow individuals to prove their identity without storing personal data.

Securing Digital Trust Against AI Deepfakes Requires Hybrid Approach

AI-generated deepfakes are making it harder to trust what we see online, increasing the risk of fraud. Companies need to combine AI with traditional security to protect against these threats. A hybrid approach includes strong authentication, real-time monitoring, and collaboration between security teams. Using methods like liveness detection and voice verification can help identify fake identities. Continuous monitoring of user behavior can also flag suspicious activity and prevent fraud.

Saudi Arabia's Humain Enters AI Race with Nvidia Chips, AMD Deal

Humain, a new AI company in Saudi Arabia, is building data centers with top-tier chips from Nvidia. They plan to import 18,000 Nvidia AI units, pending U.S. approval. Humain aims to have 1.9 gigawatts of data center capacity by 2030. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is partnering with Humain in a $10 billion deal, potentially taking equity in a special fund in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Aims to Be Top AI Provider with Humain

Saudi Arabia wants to become the world's third-largest AI provider, led by its company Humain. Humain has partnerships with Nvidia, AMD, and Groq to build data centers. The country hopes that demand for data and computing will boost its economy. However, challenges remain, including the high costs of running data centers in the desert and attracting AI engineers.

Microsoft Stock Dips Amid Concerns About AI Adaptation

Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, warns that people may not adapt quickly enough to AI changes. He suggests prioritizing reskilling programs and digital literacy to help people keep pace. In other news, Microsoft offered a fix for an Xbox 360 issue where consoles were locked due to debt. Analysts have a Strong Buy rating on Microsoft (MSFT) stock.

AI Investments Fuel Economic Growth, Bubble Concerns Rise

Tech companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, potentially driving nearly half of this year's GDP growth. However, some experts worry that this spending could create a financial bubble. A financial bubble is when a sector attracts investment far exceeding actual value. The video explores whether AI's impact on the economy is sustainable or if a risky bubble is forming.

New Books Explore AI: Threat, Hype, and Everything In Between

New books are exploring the confusion and mystery surrounding artificial intelligence. Some claim AI is a threat that will destroy humanity, while others see it as just another tool. One book, "IF ANYONE BUILDS IT, EVERYONE DIES," argues that superhuman AI would kill us all. The extreme views make AI a perfect topic for books, allowing people to project their hopes and fears onto it.

New AI Model Mimics Human Brain, Outperforms ChatGPT

Scientists have created a new AI model inspired by the human brain that reasons differently from large language models like ChatGPT. This hierarchical reasoning model (HRM) performs better in key tests and works more efficiently. The HRM model requires fewer parameters and training examples. It scored higher than models like OpenAI's o3-mini-high and Anthropic's Claude 3.7 in tests designed to measure progress toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).

ZainTECH Launches AI-Powered Security Service Across Middle East

ZainTECH has launched an AI-powered managed security service for organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The AI SecOps service provides continuous protection across cloud and hybrid environments. It includes threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and automated patch management. The service is supported by Security Operations Centers (SOCs) in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, ensuring data stays within the region.

MIT Researcher Shows How AI Can Cause Medical Errors

MIT researcher Marzyeh Ghassemi found that AI systems can make dangerous medical errors due to simple mistakes like typos. These AI tools, used to assist in diagnosing illnesses, can be easily misled. Ghassemi's research also shows that AI models can be less reliable in different regions and may give biased advice to women and minorities. She emphasizes the need for diverse data and regulations to ensure fairness in medical AI.

SFU Professor Introduces AI Sidekick in New Course

A Simon Fraser University (SFU) professor is teaching a course alongside Kia, a live, expressive 3D AI character. The course explores AI technologies, ethics, and potential. Kia will engage in real-time discussions and debates with the professor, providing a unique learning experience. The course aims to help students understand AI and use it critically. Kia is not involved in grading or student evaluation.

AI-Enhanced 'Wizard of Oz' Coming to Las Vegas Sphere

A new version of 'The Wizard of Oz' is coming to the Sphere in Las Vegas, using AI to transform the classic film. The updated movie will feature enhanced visuals, sound, and special effects like wind machines and haptic signals. AI models were used to generate performances by characters who didn't make the original cut. The goal is to create an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional movie presentations.

Sources

• AI-Powered CIAM in Retail: The Next Frontier of Customer Identity
• ⚡ Weekly Recap: Password Manager Flaws, Apple 0-Day, Hidden AI Prompts, In-the-Wild Exploits & More
• How to secure the identity perimeter and prepare for AI agents
• How to secure digital trust amid deepfakes and AI
• Saudi AI Firm Humain Begins Data Center Push With 18,000 Nvidia Chips, $10B AMD Deal in Tow
• Saudi Arabia wants to be world's third-largest AI provider after the U.S. and China, Humain CEO says
• “….People Will Not Be Able to Adapt Fast Enough” Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips On New AI Threat
• Is a bubble forming as AI investments drive economic growth?
• Is A.I. a Dire Threat or a Lot of Hype? Three New Books Span the Gamut.
• Scientists just developed a new AI modeled on the human brain — it's outperforming LLMs like ChatGPT at reasoning tasks
• ZainTECH Launches AI-Powered SecOps Managed Security Service Across MENA
• Can artificial intelligence cause medical errors? This MIT researcher shows it can.
• New class of teacher: SFU professor debuts AI sidekick in trailblazing course
• AI-Enabled ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Clicks Its Ruby-Slippered Heels At Sphere In Las Vegas