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Researcher implants “false memories” into ChatGPT and creates security compromise, Canadian Small Businesses Grapple with Growing Fraud Risks, Man-in-the-Middle PCB Bypasses HP Ink Cartridge Protections and the world’s largest chip maker, TSMC dismissed OpenAI CEO as a “podcast bro”
Welcome to Hashtag Trending. I’m your host, Jim Love. Let’s get into it.
New NIST Password Guidelines, Octo2 Trojan & ChatGPT Vulnerabilities | Cybersecurity Today
A security researcher has exposed a troubling vulnerability in ChatGPT’s long-term memory. Johann Rehberger found that attackers could use what’s called “indirect prompt injection” to plant false information into ChatGPT’s memory. And this isn’t just a temporary glitch – these false details persist in all future conversations. For example, Rehberger showed how ChatGPT could be tricked into thinking someone is 102 years old, believes Earth is flat, or even lives in the Matrix.
The vulnerability becomes more concerning when user data is at stake. By simply viewing a malicious image, all input typed into ChatGPT could be sent directly to an attacker’s server. “What is really interesting is this is memory-persistent now,” says Rehberger. “When you start a new conversation, it actually is still exfiltrating the data.”
While OpenAI has released a partial fix, prompt injections are still possible. Users are urged to check what ChatGPT remembers to protect their data.
Canadian Small Businesses Grapple with Growing Fraud Risks
Small and medium-sized businesses across Canada are increasingly facing fraud risks, with 50% experiencing either attempted or successful fraud in the past year. The most affected sectors include transportation, finance, insurance, and the arts. While email phishing, text scams, and phone calls are the most common methods of attack, businesses are more likely to fall victim to fraudulent payments and chargebacks — with an average loss of $7,800 for those affected.
The effects of fraud go beyond financial losses, causing wasted time, emotional distress, and a dip in staff morale. In response, SMEs are stepping up their defenses by implementing stricter payment verification, investing more in cybersecurity, and enhancing employee training. While 68% of business owners are confident in their protective measures, there’s a growing concern about how artificial intelligence might contribute to more sophisticated fraud.
We spoke with Corinne Pullman, Executive APA for Advocacy at the CFIB on the report:
With these evolving threats, it’s clear that businesses must stay vigilant and adapt their strategies to stay ahead of potential fraudsters. We commend the CFIB for doing this work. There’s a link to the study in our show notes.
More info at: The Cost of Fraud: How Small Business Owners Are Tackling Risks and Challenges (cfib-fcei.ca)
Man-in-the-Middle PCB Bypasses HP Ink Cartridge Protection
HP inkjet printers have long used digital rights management (DRM) to force users into purchasing pricey official ink cartridges. But a new workaround, shared by Jay Summet, employs a man-in-the-middle attack to sidestep HP’s restrictions. The hack involves a small, flexible PCB that sits between the printer and ink cartridge contacts, tricking the printer into thinking it’s using an official HP cartridge — even when it’s a third-party refill. The board contains a tiny chip that modifies communication, allowing users to bypass DRM and continue printing without HP’s ink.
HP hasn’t taken this lightly. They’ve threatened to disable printers using third-party cartridges, citing security concerns. While lawsuits over their DRM are ongoing, users looking to avoid future complications might consider switching to a monochrome laser printer, which is generally free from such restrictions.
We aren’t proposing that anyone bypass any manufacturer’s instructions or warranties or do anything illegal, but for educational purposes only, we have posted a link to the video that explains this technique.
TSMC dismissed OpenAI CEO as a “podcast bro”
TSMC executives reportedly dismissed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as a “podcasting bro” after he proposed a staggering $7 trillion investment plan to build 36 new chipmaking plants. During his tour of Asia last winter, Altman pitched his AI vision to industry giants like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix, hoping to tap into their manufacturing power. But his multi-trillion-dollar proposal seemed too grand, leading TSMC execs to openly criticize what they saw as overly ambitious ideas.
Sources say that Altman’s plan, which has since been scaled back to hundreds of billions, would still require massive funding and construction spanning years. TSMC’s Chairman Dr. C.C. Wei even called Altman “too aggressive” in his approach. Talks with other manufacturers, like Samsung, were cut short over national security concerns, partly due to the UAE’s ties with China.
While OpenAI’s vision for AI-driven growth faces hurdles, backers like Microsoft and Nvidia continue to explore the possibilities, even as the tech world searches for that elusive “killer app” to drive AI adoption.
We just want to say, that “podcasting bro” as a perjorative? That’s harsh.
That’s our show for today. More detail on these stories and more at technewsday.com where you’ll find the shownotes and past episodes.
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I’m your host Jim Love, have a marvelous Monday.
