A series of security breaches and strategic shifts are making headlines in the tech world. From data exposures at a major pharmacy chain and a fintech lending company to significant AI developments at Airbnb and talent departures at leading AI firms, several key stories are unfolding.
One of India's largest pharmacy chains, DavaIndia Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Zota Healthcare, suffered a security lapse that exposed customer data and internal systems. According to TechCrunch, a security researcher discovered the flaw, which allowed outsiders to gain full administrative control of the platform. The vulnerability, which has since been fixed, exposed customer order data and sensitive drug-control functions. The company is rapidly scaling its retail business across India.
In the fintech sector, blockchain-based lending company Figure Technology confirmed a data breach. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that the breach occurred when an employee was targeted in a social engineering attack, allowing hackers to steal a limited number of files. The company is communicating with affected partners and individuals, offering free credit monitoring. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating the company refused to pay a ransom and published 2.5 gigabytes of allegedly stolen data.
Meanwhile, Airbnb is making significant moves in the AI space. The company plans to integrate AI features for search, discovery, and support. CEO Brian Chesky announced during the company's fourth-quarter conference call that Airbnb is building an "AI-native experience" to enhance user experience and streamline operations. According to TechCrunch, the company is already handling roughly a third of its customer support issues in North America with a custom-built AI agent and plans to roll out the feature globally. Chesky stated, "We think this is going to be massive because not only does this reduce the cost base of Airbnb customer service, but the quality of service is going to be a huge step change."
In the AI industry, several top talents are leaving OpenAI and xAI. TechCrunch reported that half of xAI's founding team has departed, some voluntarily and others due to restructuring. OpenAI is also experiencing internal changes, including the disbanding of its mission alignment team and the firing of a policy executive.
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