Again and again, Washington’s transportation intelligentsia reminds the country of the supply chain’s vital role. Transporting freight, from ports to the consumer, entails serious planning complemented by precision and intention. Logistics firms as well as many commercial transportation stakeholders continue their round-the-clock operations to, simply put, keep everything moving.
A Battery Breakthrough That Could Solve A Major Problem For The West
Chemical engineering professor Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus and chemistry assistant professor Dr. Daniel Tabor have published their findings about lithium-free batteries in Nature Materials. Water based or aqueous batteries are different from lithium-ion batteries that contain cobalt. The group’s goal of researching metal-free batteries stems from having better control over the domestic supply chain since cobalt and lithium are only outsourced internationally. This safer chemistry would also prevent battery fires.
Bottom in sight as chip market falls 21% in March
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors totaled $119.5 billion during the 1Q23, a decrease of 8.7 percent compared to the 4Q22 and 21.3 percent less than the 1Q22. However, the 3MMA sales for the month of March 2023 increased 0.3 percent compared to February 2023. his is the first uptick in sequential three-month moving average (3MMA) since May 2022. Also, the annual decline, while exceptionally deep, was only slightly worse than the 20.7 percent decline reported in February.
CISA Releases Two Industrial Control Systems Advisories
CISA released two Industrial Control Systems (ICS) advisories on April 25, 2023. These advisories provide timely information about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits surrounding ICS.
Supply chain attack that hit 3CX caught at least 4 other victims, Symantec says
The software supply chain attack against X_Trader has claimed at least four additional victim organizations, the Symantec Threat Hunter Team said Friday. The compromised software, originally developed by Trading Technology, caused another supply chain attack at 3CX. The newly identified victims include two critical infrastructure organizations in the energy sector and two organizations involved in financial trading.
SBOM 101: How to Control Software Supply Chain Risks Like a Pro
Software now powers everything from smartphones and cars to medical devices and critical infrastructure. However, with the rise of cyber threats and recent government orders, it is crucial to clearly understand what components are in the system, where they came from, who has had access to them, whether they are subject to licenses, and whether they harbor known vulnerabilities. This is where Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) comes in.
CISA Releases Sixteen Industrial Control Systems Advisories
CISA released sixteen Industrial Control Systems (ICS) advisories on April 13, 2023. These advisories provide timely information about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits surrounding ICS.
CISA Releases updated Zero Trust Maturity Model
Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published Zero Trust Maturity Model version 2, incorporating recommendations from a public comment period, and furthering the federal government’s continued progress toward a zero trust approach to cybersecurity in support of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. While the Zero Trust Maturity Model is specifically intended for federal agencies, all organizations should review this guidance and take steps to advance their progress toward a zero trust model.
Chip equipment exports to China tumble as U.S. pushes decoupling
Exports of semiconductor-manufacturing equipment from the U.S. and Japan to China fell for the first time in three years in 2022 as Washington stepped up its trade restrictions on advanced chip technology. In the October-December quarter, Japanese exports of such equipment to China slid 16% on the year by value, while the U.S. saw a 50% plunge and the Netherlands logged a 44% drop, according to trade and other data.
US, Canada Plan North American Chip Corridor, Starting With IBM Expansion
The United States and Canada said on Friday they would work together to create a bilateral semiconductor manufacturing corridor, as International Business Machines signaled its intent to expand in Canada. The news came as U.S. President Joe Biden, who is visiting Canada, issued a joint pledge with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to stand together against authoritarian regimes in part by reducing their dependence on other countries for critical minerals and semiconductors.