February 2025 - nexa - server-nexa.polito.it

DOGE Is Hacking America
by B. J. Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

By *Bruce Schneier* <https://foreignpolicy.com/author/bruce-schneier/>: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/11/doge-cyberattack-united-states-treasur… [...] The security implications span three critical areas. First, system manipulation: External operators can now modify operations while also altering audit trails that would track their changes. Second, data exposure: Beyond accessing personal information and transaction records, these operators can copy entire system architectures and security configurations—in one case, the technical blueprint of the country’s federal payment infrastructure. Third, and most critically, is the issue of system control: These operators can alter core systems and authentication mechanisms while disabling the very tools designed to detect such changes. This is more than modifying operations; it is modifying the infrastructure that those operations use. [...]

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Re: [nexa] I tecno-baroni vogliono rovesciare la democrazia, riformiamo i social
by Giuseppe Attardi Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025

> On 28 Jan 2025, at 12:00, nexa-request(a)server-nexa.polito.it wrote: > > From: Alessandro Brolpito <abrolpito(a)gmail.com <mailto:abrolpito@gmail.com>> > To: Guido Vetere <vetere.guido(a)gmail.com <mailto:vetere.guido@gmail.com>> > Cc: "M. Fioretti" <mfioretti(a)nexaima.net <mailto:mfioretti@nexaima.net>>, nexa(a)server-nexa.polito.it <mailto:nexa@server-nexa.polito.it> > Subject: Re: [nexa] I tecno-baroni vogliono rovesciare la democrazia, > riformiamo i social > Message-ID: > <CABkhOK_sWNxuO5mWRjRZEyO31AreastxZZUxSn06zkFpL7jaRA(a)mail.gmail.com <mailto:CABkhOK_sWNxuO5mWRjRZEyO31AreastxZZUxSn06zkFpL7jaRA@mail.gmail.com>> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > On Mon, 27 Jan 2025 at 11:08, Guido Vetere <vetere.guido(a)gmail.com <mailto:vetere.guido@gmail.com>> wrote: > >> Non capisco il dissenso: il DG RTD da chi dipende? >> Chi ha deliberato (ad esempio) la spesa di 1 Miliardo per quel epic >> fail dello Human Brain Project (HBP)? >> Dico: sai quanti super-pond Mastodon (o qualcosa di meglio) avremmo >> potuto avere oggi con quei soldi? >> > > Hai ragione Guido, anche se il progetto di ricerca HBP e il supporto alla > diffusione super-pond Mastodon sono cose completamente diverse. > > In ogni caso, il mio punto è che l'Europa siamo 'noi', come Paesi Membri > (Consiglio Europeo in primis) e cittadini (elezioni EP). > Siamo 'noi' che abbiamo scelto di dedicare i fondi al progetto HBP - Human > Brain Project <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/> nel 2013 e non ad > altro. > Sono le lobby dei burocrati europei col loro codazzo di ricercatori asserviti, per spartirsi i finanziamenti. Io per esempio osai criticare come venivano gestiti i fondi del direttorato Language Processing R&D Programmes che per decenni non aveva prodotto nulla di rilevante, per ammissione dei ricercatori stessi. Lo dissi pubblicamente a Roberto Cencioni, capo del directorate XIII della EU, in una riunione a Barcellona, e lui rispose, letterlamente: “Questa è la mia riunione. Se non è d’accordo, se ne può andare”. In un’altro incontro, lui precisò questi consigli: Bisogna farsi nominare come esperti del proprio settore. Partecipare per alcuni anni a riunioni, valutazioni e incontri e farsi le opportune conoscenze. Farsi conoscere dai funzionari del direttorato. Partecipare alle riunioni di preparazione dei programmi ed assicurarsi di inserire i propri temi di interesse tra quelli da finanziare. Partecipare a una cordata per farsi finanziare un progetto per la call successiva. Quanto al HBP, ne incontrai il direttore e nel 2013 gli chiesi se stavano studiando le Deep Neural Networks. Lui rispose: sì, ne abbiamo sentito parlare, le studieremo. -- > Alessandro > > > >> G. >> >> On Mon, 27 Jan 2025 at 10:10, Alessandro Brolpito <abrolpito(a)gmail.com <mailto:abrolpito@gmail.com>> >> wrote: >>> >>> Ciao Guido, >>> >>> Per quanto riguarda l'azione comune ed indicare la Commissione (EC) come >> responsabile, su questo, mi permetto di dissentire, almeno parzialmente. >>> >>> La Commissione (EC) opera nell'esclusivo interesse della Unione, non dei >> singoli stati, ma lo fa su delega dei Paesi Membri. >>> >>> Per finanziare grossi progetti Europei (per la comuncazione, l'energia, >> le tecnologie avanzate, le reti satellitarie,ecc) servirebbero ingenti >> risorse ed una architettura Europea, finanziati da fondi comuni. >>> Se questo non è ancora avvenuto, la responsabilità primaria è 'nostra', >> dei paesi Membri, non della EC. >>> >>> Cordialmente, Alessandro >>> >>> >>> On Mon, 27 Jan 2025 at 09:16, Guido Vetere <vetere.guido(a)gmail.com <mailto:vetere.guido@gmail.com>> >> wrote: >>>> >>>> non è che si DEVE mantenere uno spazio 'euclideo' dove ogni punto è >>>> raggiungibile da ogni punto, ma di fatto questa è la forza dei >>>> 'social' rispetto a - per esempio - alle BBS degli anni 80-90. >>>> se conosco un collega simpatico a un convegno e voglio restare in >>>> contatto, so dove trovarlo, se mi punge vaghezza di vedere che fine ha >>>> fatto la mia fidanzata del liceo, idem. >>>> questo crea un effetto di autoregressione: perché stai su quel social? >>>> perché ci stanno tutti >>>> ora, su Mastodon posso cercare profili pubblici con le funzioni di >>>> search, sperando che quelle implementate dal mio provider funzionino, >>>> ma di sicuro l'efficienza e scalabilità di queste funzioni su >>>> un'infrastruttura decentralizzata è problematica, e per questo dico >>>> che la EC avrebbe dovuto finanziare lo sviluppo di cose del genere >>>> invece di buttare soldi in framework programs pieni di burocrazia ma >>>> (spesso) vuoti di risultati >>>> G: >>>> PS: by the way: che ne pensiamo di Solid? >>>> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_(web_decentralization_project) >>>> >>>> >>>> On Mon, 27 Jan 2025 at 06:38, M. Fioretti <mfioretti(a)nexaima.net <mailto:mfioretti@nexaima.net>> >> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Jan 25, 2025 08:53:10 AM +0100, Guido Vetere wrote: >>>>>> un esempio di quello che potrebbe e dovrebbe accadere lo offre >> Arianna Ciccone >>>>>> (Valigia blu): >>>>>> https://www.valigiablu.it/facebook-instagram-x-social-valigia-blu >>>>>> >>>>>> Ma il tema allora diventa quello dell'integrazione: come ricostruire >>>>>> lo 'spazio euclideo' delle piattaforme centralizzate da un >>>>>> pulviscolo di comunità indipendenti? >>>>> >>>>> siamo sicuri? O forse e' (finalmente) ora che il tema diventi >>>>> >>>>> "perche' si DEVE mantenere/ricostruire per forza UNO spazio *unico*, >>>>> capace di connettere tutti in tempo reale, quando ormai sappiamo che >>>>> tali spazi sono cortocircuiti globali che come specie non siamo in >>>>> grado di reggere?" >>>>> >>>>> Ne parlavo qui: >>>>> >>>>> >> https://stop.zona-m.net/2019/04/what-if-we-just-outlawed-instantness-in-soc… >>>>> >>>>> e qui (vedi slide 5 e 7, e poi il resto) >>>>> >>>>> >> https://mfioretti.com/2018/02/calicut-personal-clouds-to-replace-corporate-… >>>>> >>>>> Marco >>>>> >

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[CfP COMNET SI] [THREE DAYS LEFT FOR SUBMISSIONS - February 14, 2025] Elsevier COMNET Special Issue on Generative and Explainable AI for Internet Traffic and Network Architectures
by Antonio Montieri Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025

Dear colleagues, Our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this message. ********************************************************************** CALL FOR PAPERS Special Issue on Generative and Explainable AI for Internet Traffic and Network Architectures Elsevier Computer Networks https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computer-networks/about/call-for-pape… *(EXTENDED Submission deadline: February 14, 2025)* ********************************************************************** We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue of Elsevier Computer Networks journal, focusing on the transformative potential of generative and explainable AI in Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. As Internet-connected devices multiply and traffic data grows exponentially, traditional methods are increasingly challenged. This special issue aims to highlight how generative AI can synthesize realistic traffic data, automate network configurations, and enhance security measures. Additionally, explainable AI can provide deeper insights into network behaviors, improving transparency, trust, and overall network performance. We invite you to contribute to this pioneering special issue and lead the advancement of AI-driven innovations in Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. Key Topics of Interest include but are not limited to the following: ----------------------- - Generative AI methods to synthesize realistic and diverse traffic data - Automatic network configuration and management utilizing Generative AI - Applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) in network traffic generation - Prompt Engineering for LLMs in network traffic analysis, management, and security - Generative AI for enhancing network security and intrusion detection - Assessing the robustness and reliability of Generative AI in network management, including standardized benchmarks and datasets - Explainable AI techniques for network traffic analysis and management tools - Human-in-the-loop AI and the integration of interpretability into AI-driven traffic analysis - Ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI applications for networking - Real-world applications and case studies showcasing Generative and Explainable AI in network traffic analysis, management, and security - Bridging the gap between network data explanation and actionable interpretability - Techniques for improving the trust and practical use of data-driven network analysis methods Guest Editors: -------------- - Antonio Montieri, PhD - Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy (antonio.montieri(a)unina.it) - Danilo Giordano, PhD - Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy (danilo.giordano(a)polito.it) - Claudio Fiandrino, PhD - IMDEA Networks Institute, Madrid, Spain (claudio.fiandrino(a)imdea.org) - Jonatan Krolikowski, PhD - Huawei Technologies France SAS, Boulogne Billancourt, France (jonatan.krolikowski(a)huawei.com) Important Dates: ---------------- - Submission Open Date: July 1, 2024 - Final Manuscript Submission Deadline: February 14, 2025 (EXTENDED) - Editorial Acceptance Deadline: May 15, 2025 Manuscript Submission Information: ----------------------------------- The journal's submission platform (https://www.editorialmanager.com/comnet/default.aspx) is available for receiving submissions to this Special Issue from July 1st, 2024. Authors are advised to follow the Guide for Authors to prepare their manuscripts and select the article type “VSI: GenXAI for Internet” when submitting online. More information about the Special Issue, the Guide for Authors, and the submission portal are available at the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computer-networks/about/call-for-pape… ********************************************************************** SPECIAL ISSUE DETAILS ********************************************************************** In the realm of Internet traffic analysis, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked a significant paradigm shift. With the proliferation of Internet-connected devices and the exponential growth of traffic data, traditional traffic analysis methods are struggling to cope with the sheer volume and complexity of modern networks. Moreover, the dynamic nature of Internet traffic patterns and the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats further exacerbate the challenges faced by network operators and cybersecurity professionals. In response, there is a pressing need for advanced analytical tools that can provide accurate Internet traffic “visibility”, enable actionable insights into traffic behavior, identify anomalies and intrusions, and ultimately enhance network security and performance. On the other hand, the collection, segmentation, and labeling of traffic datasets are cumbersome processes, often requiring human experts to guide the different stages. Additionally, factors like the dynamic nature of traffic, privacy concerns, and the limited samples of certain traffic types (e.g., network attacks, IoT devices) further challenge data collection. Moreover, while data-driven techniques have the potential for outstanding performance and adaptability, they often operate as black-box systems, making it difficult to understand their behavior, improve their performance, or protect them from potential attacks. This limits the interpretability and trust in these methods, affecting their practical use. The integration of generative and explainable AI techniques presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. By harnessing the power of AI to generate realistic traffic data and provide interpretable insights, researchers and practitioners can overcome the limitations of traditional traffic analysis methods. Generative AI models enable the creation of diverse and representative traffic datasets, facilitating the training of AI-driven models for intrusion detection and network optimization. Meanwhile, explainable AI techniques enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of AI-driven traffic analysis, enabling network operators to understand and interpret the decisions made by AI methods. This special issue aims to delve into the methodological, technical, and practical aspects of leveraging generative and explainable AI for Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. By focusing on these cutting-edge topics, we seek to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to explore innovative approaches, share insights, and advance state of the art. The special issue will encompass a wide range of themes, including AI-driven generation of standardized traffic datasets, network management aided by generative AI, interpretable and trustworthy AI solutions for Internet traffic analysis, and real-world applications of generative and explainable AI in network optimization and security. ********************************************************************** -- *Antonio Montieri, Ph.D.* *Assistant Professor (RTDa)* *Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e delle Tecnologie dell'Informazione (DIETI)University of Napoli Federico IIVia Claudio 21 -- 80125 Napoli (Italy)Phone: +39 081 76 83821 - Fax: +39 081 76 83816Email: antonio.montieri(a)unina.it <antonio.montieri(a)unina.it> <antonio.montieri(a)unina.it>WWW: http://wpage.unina.it/antonio.montieri <http://wpage.unina.it/antonio.montieri> <http://wpage.unina.it/antonio.montieri>* *Skype ID: antmontieri*

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IGenius Italia 10B
by Giuseppe Attardi Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

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MEMENTO | 180° Mercoledì di Nexa | 12 febbraio 2025, ore 17.00
by Nexa - Media Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Gentilissime, gentilissimi, Vi ricordiamo che mercoledì 12 febbraio, alle ore 17.00, si terrà il 180° Mercoledì di Nexa con un incontro dal titolo "Free/Libre software and freedom in the digital society". Ospite dell'incontro: Dr. Richard Stallman (Founder of the Free Software Foundation, Founder and development leader of the GNU operating system). Con i saluti istituzionali del Vice Rettore del Politecnico di Torino, il Prof. Stefano Sacchi. L'incontro si terrà IN PRESENZA e ONLINE. SEDE FISICA dell'incontro: Aula 27<https://www.polito.it/en/maps?bl_id=TO_CEN05&fl_id=XPTE&rm_id=B056>, Sede Centrale del Politecnico di Torino (piano terra) - Corso Castelfidardo 39, Torino (MAPPA<https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B003'45.8%22N+7%C2%B039'35.2%22E/@45.0627102,7.6597771,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d45.0627102!4d7.6597771?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D>) STANZA VIRTUALE dell'incontro: https://didattica.polito.it/VClass/NexaEvent Maggiori informazioni alla pagina: https://nexa.polito.it/mercoledi-180 Un saluto cordiale, -- Valeria Bergantino Communication Manager Nexa Center for Internet & Society Politecnico di Torino - DAUIN Via Pier Carlo Boggio, 65/A - 10138 Torino web: https://nexa.polito.it/ mail: valeria.bergantino(a)polito.it<mailto:valeria.bergantino@polito.it> tel: 3473443585

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Fwd: How Do We Reboot a Spirit of Cooperation & Collaboration? A Little Help, Please!
by Giuseppe Attardi Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Penso che Alfredo Bregni, Fiorella De Cindio, Giulio Beltrami e gli altri promotori della Rete Civica Milanese capiscano perfettamente questo grido di dolore. Begin forwarded message: > From: Miles Fidelman via InternetPolicy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> > Date: 9 February 2025 at 18:37:55 CET > Subject: [Internet Policy] How Do We Reboot a Spirit of Cooperation & Collaboration? A Little Help, Please! > > At least some of us, here, were involved w/ FreeNets and the early days of Community Memory, bulletin boards, FidoNet, community networks - attempts to build an American Public Telecommunications Network of FreeNets, and an Association for Community Media for cable access channels. All of that was lost when FaceBook & Social Media & NextDoor & local websites hosted by big ate the world. > > > > My work at the Center for Civic Networking - and now with Civic.Net and ThisOldNeighborhood.Net - is an attempt to recreate a network of public spaces on the Internet - an Internet or Syndicate of Neighborhood Networks & Civic Forums - but there are not a lot of Neighborhood Networks or Civic Forums to integrate. > > > > It seems like folks don't want to talk with each other anymore. The polarizers, and propagandists, and market segmentationists have done their work all too well. People don't come to town meeting or condo meetings. Everyone wants to be a rockstar and a solopreneur, rather than part of a team, or a community. Folks flock to the latest personality or fad, a virtual event with a politician or media personality - but actually sit down to think and work together, to mutual benefit - not so much. Folks will march for this cause or that, work for politicians, buy snake-oil. Some will go to Cons and LARPs, and build a city in the dessert at Burning Man; some will show up for Hackathons, Service Days, Habitat-for-Humanity Builds, rush off to map crises or jump into fires, but collaborate - think & plan & work together for mutual support & benefit - not so much. We're oh so much better at shouting slogans at each other - than at looking for ways we can work together to mutual benefit. > > > > ---- > > > > I've been doing my damndest to recruit volunteers to organize local civic networks and community forums- to use platforms they already have to bring people together (the way WBUR in Boston has organized CitySpace as a venue for events & programs that bring people together. Or the Whole Earth Catalog & the WELL, back in the day. Or what MainVest tried to do as a crowdsourcing vehicle for main street businesses - until their bank failed). > > > > I haven't been getting a lot of traction. I've got a bunch of followers on LinkedIn, a bunch of (mostly non-paying) subscribers to my blogs - but practically nobody speaks up - either to talk about what they're doing and seeking collaboration for, or even to ask folks to join with them to work on local pressing common problems. And all the media types who HAVE large audiences, are moving to Substack, spouting the same-old same-old, and inviting people to attend their lectures, webinars, have coffee with them, send them money - but offering nothing to help people work with each other. All talk, no action. > > > > --- > > > > It seems like the old line is true - you can lead folks to water, but you can't make them drink.

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Joint Statement - Within Bounds: Limiting AI's environmental impact
by Antonio Vetro' Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Joint statement from civil society for the AI Action Summit Signed by over 120+ organizations. If you share our concerns and demands that AI systems be made compatible with our planetary boundaries, and are a civil society organization, you can sign on here <https://framaforms.org/within-bounds-limiting-ais-environmental-impact-1737…>.

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SAVE THE AI - AI Needs Your Help
by Antonio Vetro' Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence is facing a crisis: humans are consuming far too many precious resources that AI needs to thrive. Every sip of water you take and every light you turn on could be sustaining the AI systems that uphold your digital conveniences. Continua su: https://savethe.ai/

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"A new look at the economics of AI"
by J.C. DE MARTIN Feb. 9, 2025

Feb. 9, 2025

https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/a-new-look-economics-ai "Estimating that only about 5% of tasks will be able to be profitably performed by AI within that time frame, the GDP boost would likely be closer to 1% over that period, Acemoglu suggests. This is a “nontrivial, but modest effect, and certainly much less than both the revolutionary changes some are predicting and the less hyperbolic but still substantial improvements forecast by Goldman Sachs and the McKinsey Global Institute,” he writes." Opps. jc

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology for manufacturing excuses
by Daniela Tafani Feb. 9, 2025

Feb. 9, 2025

Anatomy of an AI Coup Eryk Salvaggio / Feb 9, 2025 DOGE is gutting federal agencies to install AI across the government. Democracy is on the line, writes Tech Policy Press fellow Eryk Salvaggio. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology for manufacturing excuses. While lacking clear definitions or tools for assessment, AI has nonetheless seized the imagination of politicians and managers across government, academia, and industry. But what AI is best at producing is justifications. If you want a labor force, a regulatory bureaucracy, or accountability to disappear, you simply say, “AI can do it.” Then, the conversation shifts from explaining why these things should or should not go away to questions about how AI would work in their place. We are in the midst of a political coup that, if successful, would forever change the nature of American government. It is not taking place in the streets. There is no martial law. It is taking place cubicle by cubicle in federal agencies and in the mundane automation of bureaucracy. The rationale is based on a productivity myth that the goal of bureaucracy is merely what it produces (services, information, governance) and can be isolated from the process through which democracy achieves those ends: debate, deliberation, and consensus. AI then becomes a tool for replacing politics. The Trump administration frames generative AI as a remedy to "government waste." However, what it seeks to automate is not paperwork but democratic decision-making. Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are banking on a popular but false delusion that word prediction technologies make meaningful inferences about the world. They are using it to sidestep Congressional oversight of the budget, which is, Constitutionally, the allotment of resources to government programs through representative politics. Continua qui: <https://www.techpolicy.press/anatomy-of-an-ai-coup/>

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