Human Times

European Edition

8th April 2026

THE HOT STORY

Russian military hackers reroute British internet users’ traffic

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns that Russian state cyber group APT28 has exploited vulnerable internet routers to enable domain name system (DNS) hijacking operations. The resulting malicious DNS resolutions enable adversary-in-the-middle (AitM) attacks that harvest passwords, OAuth tokens and other credentials for web and email related services. This puts organisations at risk of credential theft, data manipulation and broader compromise. The NCSC has provided a list of mitigation measures that could help in defending against the activity described in its advisory.

Bloomberg

Financial Times

Infosecurity Magazine

NCSC

WORKPLACE

Goldman and Citi tell Paris staff to work from home after thwarted BofA attack

Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have told their Paris staff they can temporarily work from home after a thwarted bombing at Bank of America’s office in the French capital last week. The police have said they suspect the foiled plot is linked to HAYI, a pro-Iranian group that ‌had ⁠posted a video naming Bank of America's Paris headquarters. However, prosecutors say the link is yet to be confirmed, Reuters notes.

Financial Times

Reuters

HIRING

New tool aims to help foreign workers in Slovakia find better jobs

Mastercard, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Profesia.sk, has launched a free digital tool called Kam ďalej (“Where next”) in Slovakia. The platform matches users' skills with labour market demands across the country, offering tailored career suggestions and identifying skills gaps. It aims to address the mismatch between workers' qualifications and their current jobs. Users can input their background information to receive job opportunities and insights on salaries and living costs. Mastercard observed: "The tool aims to link employers' needs with underused talent."

The Slovak Spectator

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Deutsche Bank chief earns bumper share returns as rebound bet pays off

Christian Sewing has built a €15m holding of Deutsche Bank shares, generating an average annual return of about 20% for the CEO, after a turnaround fuelled a share price rally.

Financial Times

REGULATION

Amnesty warns EU ‘Digital Omnibus’ could weaken privacy and rights protections

Amnesty International has raised concerns that the European Commission's 'Digital Omnibus' initiative, which is aimed at simplifying digital regulation, could undermine key privacy and fundamental rights protections. Critics argue that proposed changes - including redefinitions of personal data and reduced obligations under the AI Act - risk weakening safeguards against excessive data collection and accountability. Additionally, the potential for delays in regulatory implementation might allow harmful systems to operate without adequate oversight. The broader reform agenda may also impact other regulations, leading to a shift away from rights protection towards corporate flexibility, raising issues related to surveillance and discrimination.

DigWatch

TAX

EU urged to deliver windfall tax on energy firms

Finance ministers from Spain, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Portugal have urged the European Union to impose a tax on windfall profits of energy companies due to rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. In a letter made public by Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, the officals told EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra that such a measure would "ease the burden on consumers and taxpayers." The letter argued that the tax would ensure those profiting from the war contribute to alleviating any financial strain on the general public.

The Independent

INTERNATIONAL

Supreme Court doubtful over Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship challenge

A majority of Supreme Court justices last week appeared sceptical of the Trump administration’s attempt to end automatic citizenship for those born in the country, in oral arguments ahead of a ruling that is expected by early July. The case, which tests what it means to be an American, could affect an estimated 250,000 children born to undocumented immigrants and temporary visitors each year. The administration says Trump's order, which would restrict birthright citizenship to babies with at least one parent who is a US citizen or green-card holder, would not apply retroactively, but Democrats say it would also strip millions of current Americans of their citizenship, as well as their ability to vote and obtain passports. Chief Justice John Roberts dismissed contentions by President Donald Trump’s top Supreme Court lawyer, Solicitor General D. John Sauer, that the US faced a “new world” in which so-called birth tourism was undermining the historic understanding of the nation. “Well, it’s a new world,” Roberts said. “It’s the same Constitution.”

Australia is squandering the talent of migrants on an 'industrial scale'

Australia has 620,000 permanent migrants not working in their trained professions, despite critical labour shortages. Experts, including former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson, argue for an overhaul of the skills recognition system to enable these workers to fill gaps in the economy. "When Australia invites someone here because of their skills, there is an implicit bargain: we will let you use [your skills] to your benefit but, more so, to ours," Dr Parkinson said. "Right now, we are not keeping our end of that bargain . . . Not only is it not the fair go that we pride ourselves on, but we are wasting human capital on an industrial scale, in an economy that cannot afford to." The Activate Australia's Skills campaign aims to reform the system, and has proposed a national governance structure and support services to streamline the recognition process for skilled migrants. Currently, 44% of qualified migrants work below their skill level.

ABC Online

Israeli tech firms struggle with worker shortages due to Iran war

The ongoing conflict with Iran has severely impacted the Israeli tech sector, with over 25% of employees absent due to reserve duty, school closures, and security concerns. A survey by the Israel Innovation Authority found that 50% of tech firms are struggling to meet development goals and product launch deadlines. “At present, the sector is facing a range of challenges related to human capital, supply chains, product development, and access to capital,” said Israel Innovation Authority CEO Dror Bin. “Experience from recent years shows that the sector has proven its ability to recover quickly.” Karin Mayer Rubinstein, CEO of Israel Advanced Technology Industries (IATI), an umbrella organisation of high-tech firms operating in Israel, observed: “The main challenge now is the workforce shortage, where damage is caused for production and in the supply chain of companies that are manufacturing as well and have plants.”

The Times of Israel

India's massive population count begins

India has begun its once-in-a-decade population census after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 3m officials will conduct the survey, which includes online registration and two phases of door-to-door data collection. Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said that the census will gather information on housing, inhabitants, and castes. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India has overtaken China as the world's most populous nation, and the government views its young demographic as a potential asset for economic growth. The census is expected to conclude in March 2027.

U.S. News

OTHER

Ukraine apologises for drones straying into Finland

Ukraine has apologised to Finland after two stray drones crashed in Kouvola in the south east of the country. A representative from the Ukrainian foreign affairs ministry said: "The drones were not targeting Finland under any circumstances." The incident is believed to have resulted from electronic signal interference by Russia. Finnish authorities confirmed that at least one drone was Ukrainian and destroyed it due to an undetonated warhead. The National Bureau of Investigation has launched a preliminary investigation into the matter.

YLE Uutiset

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