Weekly Tech Digest | 04 Jan 2026

Weekly Tech Digest – 04-01-2026

The past week has seen a flurry of discussions in the tech community, with topics ranging from cybersecurity vulnerabilities to ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. These posts reflect the ongoing evolution of the tech landscape, highlighting both challenges and innovations.

Client-Side Path Traversal – Penetesting Guide

This post provides a comprehensive guide on client-side path traversal vulnerabilities, detailing the methods and techniques used in penetration testing. It emphasizes the importance of recognising and mitigating these vulnerabilities in web applications.

• Client-Side Path Traversal – Penetesting guide | @VeryLazyTech

  A detailed guide on client-side path traversal vulnerabilities and how to test for them.

Threat Modeling an IdP Compromise

This discussion revolves around a technical paper that explores threat modeling related to Identity Providers (IdPs) and offers strategies for hardening against compromises specific to Teleport. It provides insights into the security landscape of identity management.

• Threat modeling an IdP compromise, and hardening (Teleport specific). Full tech paper.

  A comprehensive look at threat modeling and strategies to enhance security for Identity Providers.

Georgia Tech Releases No Cost Malware DNS Data Feed

Georgia Tech has released a new, no-cost malware DNS data feed aimed at improving cybersecurity research and threat intelligence. This resource is intended to aid researchers and organisations in identifying and mitigating malware threats.

• Georgia Tech Releases No Cost Malware DNS Data Feed

  A new malware DNS data feed available for free to aid in cybersecurity research.

How Alexsey Belan Hacked Into More Than a Dozen Tech Companies

This post details the hacking activities of Alexsey Belan, who was involved in significant breaches across multiple tech companies. It provides a narrative on the methods used and the implications for cybersecurity practices.

• How Alexsey Belan hacked into more than a dozen tech companies

  An in-depth look at the hacking methods employed by Alexsey Belan.

Questionnaire: Enhancing Edge Computing Security with Blockchain Technology

This post invites readers to participate in a questionnaire aimed at gathering insights for research focused on improving security in edge computing through blockchain technology. It highlights the intersection of these two fields and their relevance to current cybersecurity challenges.

• Questionnaire: Enhancing Edge Computing Security with Blockchain Technology

  A request for participation in research regarding edge computing and blockchain security.

Pope Leo’s AI Stance

Pope Leo has publicly refused to authorise the creation of an AI Pope, labelling the technology as an “empty, cold shell” that could harm humanity’s essence. This post raises ethical questions about the implications of AI in religious contexts.

• Pope Leo refuses to authorise an AI Pope and declares the technology ‘an empty, cold shell that will do great damage to what humanity is about’

  Pope Leo refuses to authorise an AI Pope and declares the technology ‘an empty, cold shell that will do great damage to what humanity is about.’

Dystopian Inspirations in Tech

This post discusses how many new technologies seem to be inspired by dystopian sci-fi movies, echoing themes from bleak narratives rather than heeding their cautionary tales. It prompts a reflection on the direction of technological advancement.

• Why Does So Much New Technology Feel Inspired by Dystopian Sci-Fi Movies?

  The industry keeps echoing ideas from bleak satires and cyberpunk stories as if they were exciting possibilities, not grim warnings.

Decline in Car Quality

As automakers increasingly focus on integrating technology into vehicles, there is a noted decline in the overall quality of cars. This post explores the trade-offs between technological advancements and traditional craftsmanship.

• Car quality is suffering as automakers shift focus to technology

  They don’t make them like they used to.

Google’s AI Policy Shift

Google has abandoned its long-standing ‘do no harm’ policy regarding AI, raising concerns about the potential development of military applications and other harmful technologies. This decision has sparked significant debate about ethical responsibilities in tech.

• Google abandons ‘do no harm’ AI stance, opens door to military weapons

  “Google will probably now work on deploying technology directly that can kill people.”

DeepSeek Technology Recreation

Researchers have managed to recreate the core technology of DeepSeek for just £30, showcasing how advancements in tech can be made accessible and affordable. This development could have implications for various industries.

• Researchers recreated DeepSeek’s core technology for just £30

  Researchers recreated DeepSeek’s core technology for just £30.

These discussions highlight ongoing trends and challenges in the tech industry, emphasising ethical considerations, quality, and innovation. We welcome your thoughts and comments on these topics.