International Conflict

Microsoft successfully took control of 50 websites operated by the North Korean hacking group Thallium after winning a lawsuit. The group used sophisticated phishing techniques to gather personal information from social sites and create deceptive emails directing users to fake websites.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserts Russia's leadership in hypersonic weapons technology, highlighting the deployment of Kinzhal missiles and Avanguard hypersonic glide vehicles. He claims Russia has unique advances that no other country currently possesses, marking a significant milestone in military technological innovation.

Canada's Foreign Affairs and International Development Ministers condemned Russia and China for vetoing a UN resolution to continue cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria, emphasizing the critical impact on millions of Syrians, particularly in Idlib facing increased violence and air strikes.

North Korea has stolen $1.6 billion through 35 cyber attacks targeting crypto exchanges and banks, according to a UN Security Council report. The attacks use sophisticated malware to funnel funds into untraceable accounts, supporting the country's nuclear weapons development program.

US bank Citigroup and French bank BNP Paribas found involved in Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's legal battle. Her December arrest in Vancouver centers on bank fraud and Iran sanctions allegations, amid ongoing US-China trade disputes and Huawei's contested global status.

Hong Kong banks HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of East Asia published full-page newspaper ads criticizing excessive force and calling for peace during ongoing protests. The demonstrations have significantly impacted small and medium businesses, with Bank of East Asia reporting a 75% drop in first-half net profit due to loan devaluations.