They're HACKING Supercomputers?!

In this TechLinked episode, the host kicks off with a striking claim that supercomputers around the world are under threat from cryptomining malware, specifically Monero. The discussion notes that multiple European universities have seen infections, including at least five German universities and the Archer supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh. The host questions the motive behind targeting such powerful machines, suggesting that cryptomining could be a logical aim for attackers, yet there is also intrigue over whether a single hacking group is behind these incidents, with evidence pointing to Chinese IP addresses in the Archer case. The segment then broadens to cover a lighter tech topic, describing Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 demo on the PS5 and the contention that a high-end PC with an RTX 2080 could outperform the console in certain conditions, highlighting the ongoing debate about console versus PC power. The show also touches on broader tech and geopolitics news, including US-Chinese trade restrictions on chips, the potential impact on companies like TSMC, Apple, and Boeing, and regional responses to tech policy. Quick bits wrap the episode with a humorous take on various tech topics, from Ubisoft and Apple lawsuits to a futuristic but canceled Dyson electric car project, ending with a playful nod to percolating lunch. The overall tone blends urgent cybersecurity concerns with light, playful tech commentary, making complex topics accessible while keeping the pace brisk and entertaining, and it ends with a tease for the next episode to unpack emerging tech developments in more depth.

Topics · technology · cybersecurity · science