Feds charge 16 Russians allegedly tied to botnets used in cyberattacks and spying
An example of how a single malware operation can enable both criminal and state-sponsored hacking.
TikTok to build third European data centre
TikTok is to build a €1 billion data centre in Finland, Reuters has reported. The data centre build is part of the company’s broader “Project Clover,” a €12 billion, decade-long strategy launched in 2023 to improve data privacy and security for European users.
Both regulators and lawmakers have expressed concern over potential access to user data by the Chinese government, as TikTok ownership is owned by China-based company ByteDance.
The facility is TikTok’s first data centre in Finland, adding to existing sites in Ireland and Norway. The site has been chosen in part because of Finland’s climate – the cold environment reduces the need for energy-intensive cooling systems.
Microsoft to expand European data centres by 40%
Microsoft has announced an expansion of its European cloud and AI infrastructure, committing to a 40% increase in data centre capacity across 16 countries over the next two years.
The move is part of five new “Digital Commitments to Europe”, which aim to strengthen the continent’s digital resilience, data privacy, and economic competitiveness.
By 2027, Microsoft’s European data centre network will more than double, reaching over 200 sites to support sectors like healthcare, education, and government.
The company also introduced a legally binding “Digital Resilience Commitment,” ensuring that European governments can keep access to their data even during geopolitical challenges. To support this, Microsoft will have contingency plans and independent oversight in place.
A new Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Europe will also be appointed to make sure Microsoft meets the EU’s strict cybersecurity rules.
UK data centres turn to gas power as electricity grid delays threaten growth
Data centre developers are looking to build onsite gas-fired power plants as long waits for electricity grid connections stall critical infrastructure projects, according to The Telegraph.
According to Future Energy Networks, more than 30 enquiries have been made in the past six months by developers seeking gas access.
The UK’s power grid is under significant strain due to soaring demand from data centres, EVs, and renewable energy projects. Ageing infrastructure and a backlog of connection requests have left parts of the network at full capacity. Developers say gas connections can be secured in months, compared to decade-long waits and multi-million-pound costs for electricity grid access.
The government says it is working with Ofgem and network operators to accelerate grid upgrades and support low-carbon power for data centres.
Microsoft data centre linked to £3m bribery scandal
A UK investigation is underway into a suspected £3 million bribery case linked to the construction of a Microsoft data centre in the Netherlands.
According to a press release this week from The Serious Fraud Office, the authority carried out searches across several UK locations and made three arrests. They believe that staff at construction firm Blu-3 paid £3 million in bribes to individuals connected to Mace Group, in exchange for favourable treatment on the project.
The “action is a reminder that we will take rapid and robust action to tackle suspected bribery and corruption wherever it appears – at home and overseas,” said Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office.
Author: Ernestro Casas -
An example of how a single malware operation can enable both criminal and state-sponsored hacking.
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