AI just made CAPTCHA ridiculous

Here are five things that happened in the tech industry this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

1 – AI just made fun of CAPTCHA and that’s bad news for real humans.

Recent research from ETH Zurich shows that AI models can now consistently bypass CAPTCHA systems designed to block bots. CAPTCHAs – which traditionally ask users to identify objects such as traffic lights or buses – are vulnerable to attack because AI can now recognize these objects with high accuracy based on their results. This breakthrough raises network security concerns because it could lead to an increase in bot-led attacks, forcing developers to look for more advanced alternatives to CAPTCHA security. (Source: TechRadar)

Why is it important for your business:

As soon as I saw this, I notified my website creator. Before I put a CAPTCHA field on my website, I was attacked by bots. It stopped. However, it seems that artificial intelligence is winning again and we are the losers. Don’t panic – there are alternatives (but they also have their advantages and disadvantages).

2 – Walmart is using 3D printing to add a store in Tennessee.

Walmart has completed one of the largest commercial 3D-printed concrete structures in the U.S. at its store in Athens, Tennessee. The 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-tall addition was constructed using Alquist 3D 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology. This project is Walmart’s first use of 3D printing on such a scale. (Source: Construction Dive)

Why is it important for your business:

I like it when large companies invest in new technologies such as 3D printing because it expands the market with more competition and therefore lowers prices so that smaller companies – especially construction companies – can take advantage of the technology. It’s also great to see smaller companies like Alquist 3D making a name for themselves in this industry.

3 – Amazon Business introduces new and improved features for B2B e-commerce.

During the Reshape 2024 event, Amazon Business introduced several new B2B e-commerce features. These include integration with SAP Ariba to streamline supply management, a personalized hosted product catalog, and a replenishment service called AB Restock. Amazon Business is also improving its account login system and offering digital business gift certificates. These updates are designed to streamline business procurement processes and improve operational efficiency across all sectors. (Source: Digital Commerce 360)

Why is it important for your business:

If you’re not an Amazon B2B seller, you’re probably not interested in this news. But if so, you are. These updates aim to streamline business procurement processes and improve operational efficiency across all sectors.

4 – LiveFlow raises $13.5 million in Series A to modernize accounting and inspire the next generation of accountants.

Accounting automation tool LiveFlow has raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Valar Ventures. According to the company’s announcement, the funding will support the launch of LiveFlow Next, a platform designed to “transform accounting firms into financial advisory powerhouses.” (Source: LiveFlow)

Why is it important for your business:

If you are an accountant or run an accounting firm, pay attention to this. LiveFlow Next offers tools such as custom dashboards, AI-powered deal categorization, and forecasting. The company offers technology to help solve the accounting shortage plaguing the industry by offering tools to sync and report data from popular systems such as QuickBooks and Xero.

5-7 laptop habits that get the most out of your battery

PCWorld’s Ashley Biancuzzo shared seven essential habits to maximize your laptop’s battery life. These include lowering the screen brightness, turning off the keyboard backlight, and closing unnecessary applications. Biancuzzo points out that seemingly harmless habits, such as leaving a laptop plugged in for most of the day, can reduce battery capacity over time. To see all of her tips, click the link. (Source: PCWorld)

Why is it important for your business:

A million articles like this have been written over the years, and yet I still find myself drawn to them because there’s always new advice to refresh. Biancuzzo’s piece does not disappoint.