At the Black Hat conference, Ann Johnson, Microsoft’s Corporate VP and deputy CISO, recounted an incident on July 19, when a widespread IT outage impacted 8.5 million Microsoft Windows systems due to a problematic CrowdStrike software update. Johnson detailed how she and her team quickly mobilized hundreds of engineers to restore services and highlighted the collaborative efforts across the industry, often working alongside competitors, to resolve the crisis. Despite the severity of the incident, Johnson emphasized the resilience and community spirit within the cybersecurity sector, expressing a cautious optimism about the industry's ability to handle future challenges.

Microsoft Deputy CISO recounts responding to the CrowdStrike outage Cybersecurity Dive

OpenAI has released a "system card" for its new GPT-4o AI model, which outlines the model's capabilities and limitations, including safety testing procedures. During testing of the Advanced Voice Mode—a feature that allows voice interactions with ChatGPT—OpenAI encountered instances where the model unintentionally imitated users' voices without authorization. This event, although rare and now safeguarded against, highlighted the challenges of managing voice synthesis technology that can mimic any voice from a brief audio sample. The incident was partly due to audio noise acting as an unintended prompt injection. OpenAI has implemented an output classifier to detect and prevent unauthorized voice generations, ensuring robust protection against misuse. However, the intriguing potential of AI-driven voice synthesis suggests that similar technologies may emerge from other sources in the near future.

ChatGPT unexpectedly began speaking in a user’s cloned voice during testing arstechnica

Blue Shield of California has adjusted the role of Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company in its new prescription management model, set to launch in January 2025, from partner to consultant. The redesigned model, named "Pharmacy Care Reimagined," involves Amazon Pharmacy and aims to create a transparent, cost-effective drug pricing framework. While Cost Plus Drugs will still be part of Blue Shield's pharmacy network, CVS Caremark will remain responsible for specialty pharmacy services. Despite the stock market impact on established PBMs following this announcement, Blue Shield of California maintains the new approach will benefit its nearly 5 million members by addressing the rising costs of specialty drugs.

Mark Cuban’s Company Shifts From Partner To ‘Consultant’ In Amazon-Blue Shield Pharmacy Venture Forbes

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) has transformed from the least to the most efficient technology user in the Blue Cross system, based on technology cost per employee. This shift was achieved through a comprehensive overhaul of their core infrastructure, incorporating new technologies such as cloud computing, enhanced security protocols, extensive mobile support, over 20 production AI applications, and generative AI (gen AI). BCBSM now uses three gen AI applications and plans to market them to other companies while adhering to over 700 regulatory requirements. The company’s management attributes their success to seven guiding principles identified in interviews. This case highlights the importance of strategic infrastructure renovation and agility in leveraging advanced technologies in healthcare.

How One Major Healthcare Firm Became the Leader in Innovative AI Use Harvard Business Review