News
“Deeply troubling” report says North Korea has turned on nuclear reactor
The UN International Atomic Agency says that North Korea appears to have restarted its Yongbyon nuclear reactor
The UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that the Yongbyon reactor supplies plutonium for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
The report found evidence that the reactor has been on since early July, with the nearby radio-chemical lab operating from February to July.
“Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor.”
These findings also coincide with other signs that North Korea is using a nearby laboratory to extract plutonium from fuel previously removed from the reactor.
North Korea barred the IAEA’s access to the country in 2009, leaving the agency to monitor nuclear activity primarily through satellite imagery.
Indications of radiochemical reprocessing are “deeply troubling” and a “cause of serious concern”
The agency described the update as “deeply troubling” and a “clear violation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“It appears to indicate North Korea has resumed producing plutonium for its nuclear weapons program,” Gary Samore from Brandeis University told The Australian.
“While North Korea already has a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, this suggests it is moving to expand its current arsenal,” he said.
The IAEA says it will continue to call on North Korea to “comply fully” with its obligations under the UN security council resolutions.
Concerns arise as users report access to strangers’ personal details
Qantas, one of Australia’s leading airlines, finds itself embroiled in a concerning privacy breach as users of its mobile app report alarming incidents.
Customers accessing the app were shocked to find not their own information but instead the personal details of strangers, including names, flight details, and even boarding passes. The breach, which surfaced via social media posts, has prompted an urgent investigation by Qantas amid fears of a potential security hack.
‘I was able to access full booking details, including the ability to cancel someone’s flight to Europe.’
Reports emerged detailing how users were not only able to view strangers’ information but also manipulate bookings, change seats, and transfer points within the app.
This revelation has raised significant alarm among both Qantas customers and cybersecurity experts, highlighting the vulnerability of digital platforms to breaches of privacy and security.
A spokesperson for Qantas responded promptly, acknowledging the issue and assuring users that investigations are underway to address the breach.
The airline has vowed to provide further information as soon as possible, recognising the gravity of the situation and the importance of safeguarding customers’ personal data.
