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Scammer Dupes French Woman Out of $850K Using AI-Generated Brad Pitt Images

A scammer successfully tricked a 53-year-old French woman into believing she was romantically involved with Brad Pitt, leading her to part with over $850,000. The deception unfolded through the use of AI to produce convincing images and videos of the Hollywood actor.

Anne, an interior designer from France, was first contacted by someone posing as Brad Pitt's mother on social media. The scammer, who later posed as Pitt himself, used AI technology to send Anne edited images and videos, portraying the actor in various personal and medical scenarios.

The scammer's narrative included claims that Pitt was in need of financial assistance for kidney cancer treatment, with his bank accounts allegedly frozen due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Anne, caught in the web of this elaborate ruse, even divorced her millionaire husband, believing she was soon to marry the star.

The truth came to light when Anne saw real-life images of Brad Pitt with his actual partner, Ines de Ramon, prompting her to realize the scam. Post-scam, she faced significant emotional distress, leading to hospitalization for severe depression. The scam has since been reported to the authorities, although it's unclear if any of the money can be recovered.

This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated use of AI in online scams, raising awareness about the need for vigilance in digital interactions.

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Microsoft Relaunches Copilot for Business, Introducing Free AI Chat and Pay-As-You-Go Agents

In a significant move to democratize AI technology for businesses, Microsoft has relaunched its AI assistant, Copilot, under the new name "Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat." The tech giant announced on Wednesday that this updated service will offer a free AI chat feature to all Microsoft 365 commercial customers alongside a pay-as-you-go model for AI agents, aiming to make AI more accessible in the workplace.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat leverages OpenAI's latest model, GPT-4o, to provide businesses with an AI-driven chat experience that can answer queries directly related to work, enhancing productivity and collaboration. This free tier is designed to give every employee access to AI tools without additional cost, potentially revolutionizing how teams interact and work.

For more complex tasks, Microsoft introduces a pay-as-you-go system for AI agents. These agents act like virtual colleagues, capable of automating tasks such as monitoring email, managing workflows, or even assisting in project management. Businesses can now utilize these agents on an as-needed basis, paying only for the services they use, which could be particularly appealing for smaller enterprises or those looking to scale AI usage incrementally.

This strategic relaunch comes at a time when AI integration in business operations is becoming not just a luxury but a necessity for staying competitive. By offering both free and flexible pricing options, Microsoft aims to encourage wider adoption of AI technologies across various sectors.

Industry analysts suggest that this move could set a new standard in the AI market, pushing other providers to offer similarly accessible solutions. However, there are also concerns regarding privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI in business contexts, topics Microsoft has addressed by emphasizing its commitment to enterprise-grade security and compliance features within the Copilot platform.

The relaunch is seen as part of Microsoft's broader initiative to infuse AI into every aspect of its ecosystem, from productivity tools to cloud services, aiming to make AI an integral part of daily business activities.

Other AI News Today

1. Applied Digital Secures $5 Billion for AI Data Centers: Applied Digital Corporation has secured up to $5 billion in investment from Macquarie Asset Management for the expansion of its high-performance computing (HPC) data centers focused on AI technology. This includes an initial $900 million for a data center campus in North Dakota, with potential for further investment over the next 30 months. This deal underscores the growing demand for AI data centers and positions Applied Digital as a key player in this sector.

2. Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins OpenAI's Board: Adebayo Ogunlesi, known for his expertise in infrastructure and global strategy from his time at BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners, has been appointed to OpenAI's Board of Directors. This move is part of OpenAI's strategy to responsibly develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), leveraging Ogunlesi's financial and legal expertise.

3. Nvidia AI Chip Rack Delays: NVIDIA is facing challenges with its new Blackwell AI chip server racks due to overheating and connectivity issues. Major clients like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google, and Meta have either reduced orders or are opting for older models. This has led to a 4% drop in NVIDIA's stock price pre-market, raising concerns about the reliability of their latest technology.

4. Biden's AI Infrastructure Order: President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to bolster the U.S.'s AI infrastructure. The order facilitates the construction of data centers and clean energy facilities on federal lands, aiming to enhance national security, economic growth, and U.S. leadership in AI technology. However, it has sparked debate over potential environmental impacts and includes restrictions on AI chip exports to countries outside a select group of U.S. allies.

5. Synthesia Secures $180 Million Series D Funding: Synthesia, a London-based AI video platform, has raised $180 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $2.1 billion. The funding, led by NEA with participation from Nvidia, GV, and others, will support the development of AI video technology for business communications, affirming the UK's potential as an AI superpower.

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Business Tip of the Day

Zero Trust Architecture: A Must-Have for Modern Business Data Security

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, where threats are increasingly sophisticated, businesses are finding traditional security models insufficient. Today, one of the most effective strategies for protecting sensitive data is adopting a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).

Understanding Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust is based on the principle of "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional network security models that operate on the assumption that everything inside the network is safe, Zero Trust assumes that threats can come from anywhere, even within the network. Here's how to implement this strategy:

1. Implement Continuous Verification:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users, especially for accessing critical systems. Ensure that access rights are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the principle of least privilege, where users are given the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their jobs.

2. Micro-segmentation:

• Divide your network into small, isolated areas, each with its own security policies and controls. This containment strategy means if one segment is compromised, the breach doesn't automatically grant access to the entire network. Use network security policies to control traffic between these segments, ensuring only necessary communications are allowed.

3. Network Traffic Monitoring:

• Continuous monitoring of network traffic helps in detecting anomalies or unauthorized access attempts early. Implement tools that use AI and machine learning to analyze behavior patterns and flag unusual activities.

4. Least Privilege Access:

• Restrict user access to only what is needed for their role. This reduces the attack surface and limits potential damage from insider threats or compromised credentials.

5. Encryption Everywhere:

• Data at rest, in transit, and even during processing should be encrypted. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed inappropriately, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.

6. Security at the Endpoint:

• Since remote work has become commonplace, securing endpoints (like laptops, smartphones) is crucial. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats at the device level.

7. Regular Security Audits and Updates:

• Conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities. Update software and security protocols frequently to protect against known threats.

The Business Benefits of Zero Trust:

• Enhanced Security: By not automatically trusting any user or device, your business reduces the risk of data breaches.

• Compliance: Many regulations now suggest or require Zero Trust-like security measures. Compliance becomes easier when security is prioritized in this manner.

• Adaptability: Zero Trust can scale with your business, suitable for both small setups and large enterprises.

• Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment might be significant, the prevention of breaches can save costs associated with data loss, downtime, and legal repercussions.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Complexity: Implementing Zero Trust can be complex and requires a shift in organizational culture towards security.

• User Experience: There might be initial resistance due to added steps for authentication or access. Ensuring these processes are as seamless as possible is key.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to evolve, implementing Zero Trust Architecture isn't just a tip; it's a necessity for businesses aiming to safeguard their data in 2025. By adopting this approach, companies not only protect their digital assets but also position themselves as leaders in cybersecurity, ready to tackle the challenges of an increasingly digital world.

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Darius @ SumoGrowth